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http://www.archive.org/details/montaninicomedyOOosbo 



Af 



THE MOI^^T^NIN"! 



J^ COJVIEDY 



BEING IN CONTINUATION OF THE 
FOURTH VOLUME OF THE DRAMATIC SERIES 



BY 



LAUGHTON OSBORN 




NEW YORK 

JAMES MILLER, 647 BROADWAY 

MDCCCLXVIII 






Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by 

LAUGHTON OSBOBN, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the 
Southern District of New York. 



The New York Printing Companv 
8i, 83, and Ss Centre Si., 
New York. 



THE MOI^TAl^IIsri' 



MDCCCLVI 



CHAEACTERS, etc. 

Carlo di Tomma'so Montanino,^ | Young nobles 
Ippol'ito de' Salimbeni,^ ) of rival families. 

G-As'pARO Beccari, oite of the Nine Magistrates of the City. 
GriAc'oMO G-RADENATA, a citizen of honorable but decayed family. 

GriANNi, aged servant of Carlo. 
Antonello, servant of Ippolito. 
Captain of Sbirri. 

Angelica, Carlo'' s sister. 

Cornelia, Ippolito^s sister. 

DoMiciLLA, his maiden aunt. 

Camilla Yolpicina*, a widow^ sister of Giacomo, 

Barbara, Angelica's maid. 

Mute Persons. 
Sbirri. a Jailer. 



Scene. In Siena, in the Y, 1322. 



THE MOE'TAS'IE^I 



Act the First 

Scene I. In the Palazzo Montanini, 
Carlo. Angelica. Beccari. 

Carlo. I have said enough, Ser G-asparo Beccari.^ 
You cannot have the farm. 

Becc. Well, make it ten. 
A thousand golden florins is a price 
None but myself would offer. Need I say, 
'Tis solely that our two estates adjoin, 
I bid so largely ? 

Carlo. But you bid in vain : 
It is my sole possession, save this house. 
And knowing this much I wonder you should strive 
To oust me from it. 

Bete. Messer Montanino, 
Vol. IY.— 12 



266 THE MONTANINI 



You will perhaps not easily lend belief, 
That I, of the vulgar people who have driven 
Your overbearing order from the State, 
And who, being of the people, have been made 
One of their magistrates, thus bound to see 
That such of you as we suffer to remain 
Lift not their heads in the city, to o'erride it 
And bring again the rule of noble blood 
And servile vassalage of poor to rich. — 

You '11 not believe that I, being such, should feel 

I weary you perhaps, or chafe ? 

Carlo. Not either. 
My humble fortune teaches me to bear ; 
Nor was I born impatient. 

Becc, That, I say, 
Being what I am, I have charity for you 
A noble of old blood, you will not credit. 
But I am Christian more than in my faith, 
And hold all men my brothers. When I think 
How great your sires, how wealthy, and how proud, 
Whose arms are everywhere — on palace-gate 
And castle-tower, yet all of which have pass'd 
To other, and to mostly meaner hands, 

As you would deem them 

Carlo. 'Twas my sires' own fault. 

Becc. Truly. They wasted upon private feuds 

The blood and treasure should have serv'd the State. 

Carlo. Pass over that. You do not keep me here 
To tell me that my ancestors were fools ? 



ACT I. SO. 1. 26'? 



Becc, I do not keep you here, I hope, at all. 

That I am come, is even for what I said. 

Shall I have license to explain myself? 

When I consider all your glorious past, 

And see what you are now : these palace-walls. 

Wherein might dwell a hundred cavahers 

Nor yet be crowded, cheerless now and bare. 

Without perhaps one chamber meetly furnish'd 

For such a presence as your lady-sister's 

[his eyes^ which have glanced around the room with 
half-covert mochery^ now resting with ojpen admira- 
tion on' Angelica. 
Carlo. Messer Beccari ! does your Christian heart 

Bid you insult my 

Becc. Poverty ? Now Heaven 

Give you more insight, and make known your friends ! 

My Christian heart, Messere Montanino, 

Bids me have pity both of you and yours. 

I find you hving in this stately house 

Straighten'd by indigCDce, with means sufficient 

Scarcely to keep yourselves, and one small maid. 

And an old porter, safe from winter's cold. 

I offer for your farm a liberal price, 

Which properly invested would enlarge 

Your narrow income : and to show I act 

With a pure sympathy for you, and yours, 

[looking again at Angelica, 

Make now the ten twelve hundred. If the farm 

Is pretty, it is small. 



268 THE MONTANINI 



Carlo. But large enough, 
To give me here that living which, if mean, 
I not complain of, certainly not to you. 
Messer Beccari, it may be — I hope 
Truly it is — that you are- well my friend. 
So rest : but give me leave to plainly tell you, 
My enemy Salimbene would not speak 
With such disparagement. If my fallen estate 
Touch you with sympathy, keep it in your breast. 
'T is friendship to alleviate distress*^ 
But to remind the sufferer of his wo 
Looks more like malice. 

Becc, Heaven is my judge, 
I meant it well. I pray you be not blind. 
For your sweet sister's sake, subdue this pride. 
Will you not make provision for a future 
So rich in promise, as hers must be whose present 
Is full of grace ? [again looking admiringly on Angelica, 
Carlo, [with some asperity ^ hut without passion, 
Ser G-asparo Beccari, 
You cau, I think, find out your way alone. 
I have but one male servant, as you said, 
And he is old. 
With a slight and distant inclination ^ hut without 
disdain^ Carlo, putting through his own the 
arm of Angelica, who^ for the greater 
part of the dialogue^ has stood lean- 
ing with her left hand on Carlo's 
right shoulder^ leads her out. 



ACT I. sc. 2. 269 



Becc. [with a low, hut deep utterance. 
The devil take th}^ pride, 
Thou last green scion of a blasted tree ! — 
But she ! How dark this desolate house appears 
Now she is vanish'd ! With what grace she lean'd 
On her stiJQf brother ! Not the fairest form 
Of all the yeUow marbles of old G-reece, 
Not the most delicate of the dainty Three 
Men call the G-races, which my father's day 
Saw disinterr'd where stand the Duomo's walls,® 
Has such an attitude. Ah ! could I gain her ! 
And ruin him ! — Perhaps, to ruin him 
Would be to gain her. She adores the beggar, 
And would do aught to save him. — Let me think. 

[JSxit — pensively. 



Scene II. 

In the house of Gfiacomo. 

GriACOMO. Camilla. 

Giac. Yes, that I do! By Paul! I doubt him much. 
Beccari is but fooling thee. 

Camil. Fooling me f 
G-lac. Yea, thee, Camilla Widow Yolpicina. 



270 THE MONTANINI 



Is that impossible, I should like to know ? 

Oamil, Gri acorn Bachelor G-radenata, ay ; 

If that thou mean'st that Gasparo Beccari, 
Were he twice the man he is, could cozen me, 
And I not know it. But thou dost him wrong. 

He loves me, and 

Giac, Why don't he wed thee then ? 
Since he first woo'd thee, it is now two years. 
He does not wait for either to grow old. 

Camil, No, nor grow young : we both are young enough, 
And can afford to dally. 'Tis so sweet 
The hour of courtship that I wonder not 
Men should prolong it ; and for me, I care not 
To hasten on the time when I must cease 
To rule as mistress and be rul'd as slave. 

Giac. That 's talk for a widow, now ! By holy Paul I 
I don't believe a word of it ! Tell me truly ; 
Dost thou love G-asparo then ? 

Camil. My brother, yes. 
Else would I wed him ? 

Giac, [laughing harshly/. 

What a fox thou art ! 
But I am not a goose. A loving widow. 
And like long courtships ! Thou 'rt a jet-black swan. 
Dost thou forget, my sentimental sister, 
That we are poor, and Gasparo the rich 
May fancy some one who is more his mate ? 
He 's a republican, and upholds, thou knowest, 
A pure equality. 



ACT I. SC. 2. 271 



Camil. Sorrow on thy jests ! 
They are like the eye of a serpent : and thy laugh 
Is pleasant as its hiss. 

Giac. Meek-thoughted sister ! 
Camil, Thou art a friend of Grasparo's. — 

Giac. Ay, his friend. 
And he is mine : I use him. But I do 
Distrust him damnably. I wish he 'd wed thee. 
Camil, And so he will. What is the match to thee ? 
Giac, 'Twould leave one weight the less upon my mind, 
And make at least one Grradenata rich. 
Thou knowest thy charms : it is not I, that bill 
And coo with Grasparo : but he '11 jilt thee, see ! 
^IPoT thou art poor. 

Camil. And he is rich for both. 
Besides, I bring him what he lacks. 

Giac. What 's that ? 
Long hair and beardless lips ? 

Camil. What most he prizes : 
Grood birth and stainless lineage. If I stoop'd 
To wed the notary Batto Yolpicina, 
I shall not raise the Grradenate high 
By looking on a butcher's son. 

Giac. He 's here. 

Jthte?' Beccaki. 

Becc, What, my fair Yolscian, though not Dian's nymph.'' 
He takes her hand^ though somewhat constrainedly. 



272 THE MONTANINI 



Camil. [As he holds her hands ^ 

looking intently in his eyes, {He looJcs aside.) 
I am glad to see thee, G-asparo ; but I fear, 
Thou art not well to-day. 

Becc. Why so ? Not well ? 
Camil. Or art not glad to see me in thy turn. 
Becc. Poh, child ! that is but fancy. Yet I am 

. In sooth disturb'd : a slight affair gone wrong — 

The business of the State 

[loohs at Giacomo significantly^ then at Camilla^ 
and at the door {not unobserved hy Camilla). 
Thy brother and I 
Will talk it over. 

Giac. Camilla, for awhile, * 

Leave us alone. 

Camil. I hope thy brow will clear 
By my return, dear G-asparo ; but methinks 
Thou'lt find poor help for business of the State 
In G-iacomo's unus'd brain, [going up. 

Becc. O, 'tis not much — 
A small affair, I said. [Mcit Camil. hy a door above — turn- 
ing round and smiling on Becc. as she disappears. 

Beccari and G-iacomo bring down chairs. 

[First looking round at the door.] How goes it with thee ? 
Has thy luck turn'd, my friend? 

Giac. By Bacchus ! no ! 
Tm devilishly us'd up. I hope, Beccari, 
Thou wilt not soon be asking for thy gold ? 



ACT I. SC. 2. 273 



Becc. No, I would rather lend tliee twice as much, 

So thou might' st win that back. But truly, Griacomo, 

Thou 'rt a sad spendthrift ; and I dread to think, 

What with thy dice and women, thou mayst come 

One day to ruin. 

Cfiac. No, I know my verge : 

I shall stop short of it. But 'tis not spending 

Too fast or much, but little, keeps me down. 

Just when my luck is turning, lo, I stop ! 

For want of more to venture. Cursed fate ! 

Becc. What was thy last loss ? 

Giac. Five and twenty florins. 

Pio Birban'te offer' d me revenge. 

I could not take it; and he laugh' d, pest on him ! 

Becc. Thou think'st thou couldst have won again ? 

Giac. Am sure. 

Thus stood the game : I'll show thee how. — 

Becc. JSTo matter. 

Thou'dst like again to venture ? ^ 

Giac. But I shame 

Again to ask thee, GTasparo. 

Becc. Poh ! shame not. 

Shall we not soon be brothers ? Let me see. 

Now, I will venture four times twenty-five, 

And double that, so thou wilt do for me 

Something in turn. 

Giac, [suspiciously. 

Eh ! 'T is some mischief. 

Becc. Fil 
12* 



274 THE MONTANINI 



Thy old distrust I How prompt thou art to borrow, 
But slow to lend ! 

Giac. [starting wp^ 

Come, Grasparo Beccari, 
This is too much ! I am not, man, thy slave. 
Becc. No, but thou art thy passions'. Look thou now ! 
What a poor wayward, tetchy thing thou art ! 
Suspecting me ; but, when I in return 

Tax thee with scanty kindness 

Giac. By St. John ! 

Thou didst reproach me Blisters on my tongue ! 

I shame to mention it. 

Bee/:, Thou hast no cause. 
Come, set thee down. I say — thou hast no cause. ^" 
I had no thought of money. And if I had, 
Are we not brothers ? Thou wouldst do for me 
As much, were my lot thine. I wish it were." 
Giac. Well, that is kindly. I will take thy offer. 
I '11 try my luck once more, and then leave off 
When I have won enough. 

Becc. Why, that is wise. 
Giac. [again suspiciously. 
Thou mockest. 

Becc. On my soul! But only try 

Largely. I '11 back thee, till thou hast made thyself. 
Giac. Wilt thou ? [seizing his hand. 

That's brave ! But what is to be done ? 
By Jupiter ! this much will call for much. 
Or I mistake thee. 'T is the state-affair; 



ACT I. SC. 2. 275 



Eh, my Beccari ? 

Becc, Psha ! that was a blind. 
Camilla has sharp eyes/^ 

Thou knowest, I think, 
How I have long'd to buy that little farm 
In the sweet vale of Strove, next my own. 

The beggar Montanino 

Giac. Speak more low ; 
Camilla has quick ears/^ 

Becc. 'T is well reminded. 
What was that noise ? Come out, to the open ah*. 
Close walls are not for secrets. [Exit^ leading out Oiac. 

Camil. [coming in from the door. 
Say'st thou so ? 
Why so it is then. Thou hast stopp'd my ears. 
I hardly think thou 'It put out both my eyes. 
One is for G-iacomo. — [Pondering^l Montanino, eh ? — 
And thou hast long'd to buy his little farm ? — 
He '11 not then sell it. — And my brother brib'd 
Through his pernicious vice. — Here is some plot. 
Ah ha ! And thou a magistrate ! 'T is well. 
I '11 be at the bottom of this before thou knowest. 
Then try to shake me from thee, an' thou dare ! 
Thou think'st I love thee. I should love to be 
The mistress of thy household. And I will. 

Goes up the stage again^ towards the door : 
and Scene closes. 



276 THE MONTANIlSri 



Scene III. 

The Piazza del Campo 

with the Fonte Gaja. 

Barbara 

is seen dipping a terra-cotta pitcher of antique form into 

the Fountain. She raises it to her head, when 

Enter ^ from the left^ 

Antonello. 

Barhara going off to the right as Antonello crosses the stage, 

she loohs half-aside, and pretends to hurry from 

him. He arrests her. 

Anton, Eh, barbarous Barbara ! whither off so fast ? 
Don't our ways lie together ? Stop a Uttle ! 
Nobody 's looking. There, [looking about him, 

snatches a hiss. 
Thou 'rt quite a blossom ! 
Barh. If our ways lie together, saucy ISTello, 

Yet our two houses, please, stand quite apart. 

The Montanini [affecting grandeur'] have no consort with 

The Salimbeni. 

Anton. Better if they had. 
Barh, Come, that's a deal too impudent. Dost think, 
Because we are poor, we 're not as proud as you ? 
I have seen thy master look prodigious sweet 



ACT I. SC. 3. 2*11 



On my sweet mistress. 

Anton. Hast thou ? So have I. 
Would n't it be a blessing, eh ! My lord — 

Thy lady — eh ? The Palace in a blaze 

Barh, A blessing that ! — There 's little though to burn. 

[shrugging her shoulders. 
Anton. I meant a blaze of lights, and not of fire. 
They two made one, my little maid and I 
Might hunt in couples. Eh, my dainty rib ! [pinching her. 
Barh. Ouf ! Don't now ! G-et away ! thou 'It make me spill 
My water. And — [looking off the scene. 

St. Domenic ! get thee gone ! 
There 's Grianni coming ! Do go, ISTello dear ! 
Anton. Kiss me then, first. 

Barh. JSTotl! 

Anton. I sha' n't go then ; 
Nor shalt thou either. 

Barh. [struggling and looking 
off the scene. 
Patience ! — There ! [hissing him. 

And there ! 
[striking him on the ear. 
Anton, [laughing and ruhhing his ear. 

I '11 pay thee, Monna Barbara ! 
Exit^ at the right ^ 
while Enter from the same^ passing him, Gtianni. 

Gian. [looking at him discontentedly 
and shaking his head. 
So — so — so ! 



278 THE MONTANINI 



Always with Antonello. I 'm a-thinking, 

Thou 'dst best have nought to do with Master's foes. 

That 's my idea ! 

Barh. He is n't Master's foe. 
Nor is his master either. 

Gian. I say he is. 
They have been foes for twice a hundred years. 
Now ! And I 'm thinking, thou hadst best come home 
At once. That 's my idea. 

Barh. And my idea 
Is, thou hadst better mind thy own affairs. 
Gian. I am a-minding of my own affairs. 
The Mistress sent for thee. 

Barh. Why couldst thou not 
Say that at once ? [hurrying off to right 

Enter Becoari, from left^ 
and stops her. 

Becc. My pretty Barbara ! What ! 
Both out together ! How will the old house 
Do without one of you ? 

Gian. 'T is n't an old house ; 
And 't will do very well without, I 'm thinking, 
If Master will it. Come away. \to Barh.] Thou 'dst best 
Have nought to do with magistrates, I 'm thinking. 
That 's my idea. [Bxit^ luith Barh., at right. 
Becc. And so 'tis mine, old fellow. 
Pointing after them 

scofflngly.] A goodly retinue for a noble house I 



ACT I. SC. 4. 279 



Thou 'It manage, though, to do without even these, 
I 'm thinking [mimicking Gianni], Messer Carlo. 

All is ready. 

In a few minutes ! 'T was a hard ado 

To bring my would-be brother to the mark. 
I bad him high. He 'd sell his soul to the Devil 
For means to game with. Even such fools does vice, 
When grown a habit, make of men ! — I '11 walk 
About this place, until the work be done, 
And glut my soul with that proud beggar's shame. 
He looks down the street where Barbara, &c., 
had disappeared^ and 
Scene closes. 



Scene TV. 



In the Palazzo Montanini. Angelica's Apartment. 

Angelica seated emhroidering. 

Carlo stands hehind her^ looking abstractedly on her ivorh. 

After a few momerds, 

Carlo. Angelica — I cannot drive from mind 

That man's presumption. And it wakens now — 
What memory, think'st thou ? — Salimbene's looks 
Bent on my sister with such fond regard. 



280 THE MONTANINI 



Angel, [confused^ and bending low over her work, 
which she discontinues. 

Oh Carlo ! thou wouldst not compare the two ? 
Carlo. Now God forbid ! I would not be unjust 

Even to an enemy. Leave thy work awhile. 

They come forward. 

He puts his right arm round her waist ^ and 

takes her left hand in his left. 

ITow tell me, sweet : has Salimbene ever 
Griven token of a wish to come more near ? 

Angel, [with eyes cast down. 

Never, my brother, more than thou hast seen. 
When from my way to church with Barbara sole 
He meets me passing, bowing reverent-low. 
With head unbonneted, he yields the path 
As any noble cavalier might do 
To noble damsel of a neighboring house. ^^ — 

Carlo. Even though an enemy's. And that is all ? 

Angel. And that is all. 

Carlo. And tak'st thou not, sweet sister, 
More pleasure in his homage than in that 
Of other noble cavalier ? — Forgive me ; 
I have no right to call this color here, [pressing his lips to 

her cheek. 
But oh, forget not, that we stand alone, 
And should be all in all to one another. 

Angel, [throwing both her arms about him. 

And we are all in all to one another. 



ACT I. SC. 4. 281 



Carlo, ^[after pressing her a moment to 

his hreastj lifts her off, and resumes. 
And being alone should watch with double care 
That not a stain come on our father's name. 
Be charier of thy smiles to Salimbene. 

Angel. I haye not been more than courteous that I know ; 
At least, I have never thought to be. Oh why, 
Why, brother, lend tjiy bosom to distrust ? 
Ippolito Sahmbene, all men say. 
Is open in heart as visage, and high-soul' d. 

Carlo. Yet he is wealthy : we are very poor. 

Angel. Does wealth exclude all virtue ? 

Ca/rlo. Ko. But men 
Magnify into virtue in the rich 
All that is not bare vice ; as in the poor 
The smallest spot of error swells to sin 
That is enormous. Salimbene's heart 
Has never felt misfortune. What should cloud 
His happy visage ? Plac'd above dependance, 
He needs not feel distrust. So, says the world, 
" Behold a frank and generous-minded man ! " 
Perhaps he is. But I, being poor, if sad 
Am call'd morose ; and if, for I have found 
In my adversity men cold and false, 
Slothful to help and eager to betray, 
I doubt and stand aloof, I am thought suspicious, 
And my reserve set down to gloomy pride. 

A ngel. Oh how they wrong thee, brother ! Let them come 
And ask of me. Thou art not proud, not gloomy ; 



282 THE MONTANINI 



Thou art thyself too generous and true^, • 

To be suspicious of another's faith. 
Carlo. Thou Uttle flatterer I What canst thou know ? 
Art thou then of the kind which men suspect ? 
And to be gloomy under thy sweet smiles, 
Why that, my sister, were as one should shiver 
In the glad vernal sunshine. Thou art right : 
I have no ague ; not o' the heart at least. 

Enter Barbara. 

But here is Barbara. Grive her now her task, 
And let us go. 

Angelica passes up the stage with Barbara, and appears 

to give directions ahout another piece of 

emhroideryj not her own. 

The air of this dull house 
Even here, where it seems lightest, weighs us down. 
What a rough nest for such a dainty bird ! [glancing 

round him, and then fondly on 
his sister'' s figure. 
I could for her sake almost see it chang'd 
Even for an enemy's bower. 

Angelica, leaving Barbara at theframe^ 
comes down. 

Angel. What dost say, 
Carlino ? 

Carlo. I was murmuring at Heaven, 



ACT I. SC. 4. 283 



Which, when it made thee all an angel, sweet, 
Forgot thy wings. 

Angel So I should fly away, 
And leave thee lonely ? Earth is good enough 
With only thee, dear Carlo. 

Carlo. Come then out. 
The open air is better for us birds. 
The heavens shall be our canopy ; the turf 
A more elastic footing than these boards ; 
The sunshine and the mottled shadows yield 
All that we need to decorate our rooms, 
Nor twit our poverty. 

Noise heard within, like the measured 
tramp of an armed hand. 

What means that noise ? 

Enter G-ianni in dismay. 

Crian. my dear master ! here 's the guard broke in. 
Carlo. What are they come for ? 

Gian. For no good, I 'm thinking. 

I could not keep them off. Make haste ! They 're here ! 

Fly, Messer Carlo! hide yourself! do! 
Carlo. Not so. I must be found. 

Angelica clings to her hrother^s arm. 
Barbara, who has already left her work, ccmes forward, as 

Enter 

a party of Sbirri, headed hy their Captain. 

Whom seek -ye here? 



284 THE MONTANINI 



By whose command ? 

Capt By order of the JSTine, 
I come to arrest Ser Carlo Montanino, 
Son of Messer' Tomma'so Montanino. 
You are he, I think. 

Carlo. I am. 'T is some mistake. 
Gian. 'T is some mean villany : that 's my idea. 
Carlo. Hush, good old man ! — On what grounds is this done ? 
Capt. 'T is not my part to answer. Lo, Messere, 
You have my warrant. 

Unfolding it^ and^ howing over the sealj 
he hands the parchment to Carlo, who looks over it. 
Carlo. I own it, and obey. 

[returning the warrant. 
Angel. Oh no ! he has done no wrong ! It cannot be ! 
let him stay : you can confine him here. 

Capt. Lady, it grieves me 

Carlo. Sister, be assur'd. 
Do not cling to me so ! All will be well. 
Once found their error, I shall soon be back. 
Now there ! Now there ! 

Angel. One moment ! [still clinging. 
Carlo. Oh my heart ! 
'T is my sole terror, that I leave thee here. 
Afflicted and alone. Come then, bear up ! 
Wilt thou not for a little, for my sake ? 
There ! [kissing her]. Take her, Barbara. So. 

Now, Captain, quickly. 
[hurrying off. 



ACT I. SC. 4. 285 



Angel. Oh Grod ! My brother ! — Take me ! take me too ! 

[half-fainting in Carlo's arms. 

Carlo, hissing her on the forehead^ puis 

her into the arms of Barbara, and is led off^ lending 

his eyes continually on his sister. 

Drojp falls. 



286 THE MONTANINI 



Act the Second 

Scene I. In the Palazzo Salirribeni, 

DoMiciLLA. Cornelia. 

Cornel. No, Aunt, I cannot think it. To be glad, 

Ippolito should be spiteful. Yet be is one 

Of the best good-natur'd men in all Siena. 
Domicil, And so he may be, yet be not ill pleas'd 

His enemy is in prison. In my day, 

Men were good haters. But the times are chang'd. 
Cornel. Not in good hating. Aunt. I am sure, if that 

Be a sign of progress, manhood in our day 

Is not degenerate. The Tolome'i 

And Salimbeni hate like Christians still. 
Domicil. They are the heads of two great factions, child. 

Why wilt thou contradict me ? In my day, 

I say, men were not so. 

Cornel. I had no thought 

To contradict thee. Aunt. 

Domicil. Now tbere, Cornelia I 

Again thou contradictest. In my day, 

Men did not easily forget a wrong. 

Thy brother, thou wilt see, despite his mirth, 

Will find a serious pleasure in the shame 



ACT II. sc. 1. 287 



Of Carlo Montanino. 

Cornel, Poor young man ! 
What harm did he do my brother ? 

Domicil. How thou talk'st ! 
Are they not enemies ? 

Cornel. Their foresires were, 
Some generations back. 

Domicil. Then so are they. 
That is inevitable. 

Cornel. dear Aunt ! 
Domicil. Why, is he not a friend of the Tolomei ? 
Cornel. But then he is so poor ! what can he do ? 
Think of his desolation, all alone 
With one young sister ; not another left 
Of all his father's house ! 

Domicil. Whose fault is that? 
The sins of the fathers, child, are punish' d down 
To their fourth generation. 'T is the law 
Griven out in thunder from the Mount of Grod. 
Cornel. And writ in the code of ISTature, but annull'd 
By later dispensation, in so far 
At least as mortal hands are made to wield 
The rod of Heaven's vengeance. We are told 
Not to take eye for eye and tooth for tooth, 
But lend two cheeks to the striker, and to him 
Who steals our cloak to give the mantle also. 
Domicil. That may be preaching, child, but. 'tis not practice. 

At least it was not so, when I was young. 
Cornel. No, then it was taking all. Who filch'd your cloak, 



288 THE MONTANINI 



Was sure to get the mantle, if he could. 

Domicil. And does so now. And so men will, I think, 
Till the end of time. 

Cornel. Why yes ; for so 't is said, 
To him, who much hath, shall be given much, 
And, who hath little, from him shall be reft 
The little that he hath. Poor Montanino, 
Being brought to the verge of ruin by the sin 
Of his wrong-headed ancestors, must now 
Be penn'd up in a dungeon ! 

Domicil. For his own. 
'T is coat and cloak most truly. But I doubt 
He has deserv'd to lose them. 

Cornel. my Aunt ! 
With that good heart of thine, how canst thou judge 
So harshly ? And such cause of family feud ! 
'T is but a dog and a wild boar after all ! 

Domicil. No, 't was a man's life taken, Massimino, 
One of the best of the Salimbeni, slain 
By Niccolo Montanino, a wild youth 
Whose heart's blood altogether was not worth 
One drop of Massimino's ! That one drop 
Has bled two hundred years, and still will bleed 
While beats a heart with Montanini's pulse. 

Cornel. Now Heaven forefend ! But tell me, dear my aunt, 
How this fell out. I cannot keep the count 
For twice a hundred years. 

Domicil. Ah, times are chang'd ! 
In my day, damsels of a noble house 



ACT II. sc. 1. 289 



Knew all their lineage, and could trace their blood 

Back to Kome's consuls, were the race so long. 
Cornel, It must have run a stream as long as the Arbia,^^ 

And not so pure as what supplies our fouritains. 
Domicil, Thou art degenerate ! no true Salimbene. 
Cornel. Forgive me, Aunt ; I needs must be amus'd, 

To hear of families whose noble blood 

Bubbled before the she-wolf had a lair.^^ 

I thought we were of the oldest and the best. 
Domicil. And so we are, as ancient and as good 

As the Tolomei. Then come Saracini, 

And Piccolo'mini, and Malavolti. 

The Montanini are behind all these. — 

But to my tale. 

Two hundred years ago, 

Soon after the great Countess" quit the world, 

Bequeathing to the Pope what was not hers 

To give away, and the Sane'si^® freed 

Had not yet driven out their bravest and best, 

And us'd their footcloth for a diadem — 
Cornel. That means, while yet the nobles rul'd. 

Doraicil. What else ? 

Upon a certain day, a numerous party 

Of high-born youth rode out to hunt the boar. 

On the return, discoursing of their feats. 

Whose hounds were foremost, strongest, and most bold, 

The Salimbeni claim' d the day as theirs, 

The Montanini theirs. The strife wax'd hot. 

From words it came to blows : and swords were drawn ; 
Vol. IY.— 13 



290 THE MONTANINI 



And Niccolo Montanino, mad with rage, 
Smote Massimino of the SaHmbeni 

Dead on the field. Thence vengeance. Thence the feud; 
Which rag'd, at intervals, twice eightscore years; 
Till, stript of all their castles, and their race 
Almost exhausted, (for the Salimbeni, 
The richest and most widely branching house 
In all Siena, greatly overmatch' d them,) 
The Montanini quench' d, the fire burn'd out. 
But there the cinders are, and smoulder still. 
Cornel. And who would stir them ? Not my brother, sure. 
Poor Montanino! if thy sires were bloody. 
Thy beggar'd fortunes and thy dwindled race 
Have made atonement! 

Domicil. Why, Cornelia, child ! 

■*- 

Thou hadst better fall in love with Messer Carlo, 
And build the house up ! 

Cornel. Not so far as that : 
I am no mason. But I tell thee, Aunt, 
Light as I am, I Iiave reason strong enough, 
And heart I hope, to hold these feuds in horror. 
And more, I dare avow, young Montanino, 
Last of his race and with his ruin'd fortune, 
Alone with that sweet sister, both so sad. 
And both so noble in their gentle mien, 
Has for my heart and fancy more attraction 
Than any of my brother's happier friends. 
I think how I should like to draw him near 
And smile away his sadness, and to m^ake 



ACT II. SC. 1. 291 



That dear Angelica my bosom's friend. 

Domicil. Why, did I ever ! ISTo, when I was young, 

A maiden had as soon bit ofif her tongue, 
As prais'd an enemy. And I suppose, 
Now that the youth is prison'd for some crime, 
Thou 'It make a saint of him. 

Cornel. That is to see. 
Here Antonello comes. I bade him learn 
What had transpired. 

Domicil. Thou didst ? The girl is mad ! 

Why, in my day ! Ah, times indeed are chang'd ! 

I wonder how the world will get along! 

Enter Antonello. 

Corriel. Why very much as though no Montanino 
Nor Salimbene were in 't ! We are but bubbles 
Floating upon some portion of the flood. 
Which, whether we break at once or swim awhile, 
Rolls downward to the ocean, all the same. — 
Well, Antonello ? 

Domicil. Eeally ! I did never ! — 

Anton. [He speaks throughout^ though still quickly, yet more de- 
liberately ^ through respect^ than when with Barbara. 
I met with Monna G-elica's^^ young maid. 
Who had told me of her master's taking up, 
Madonna, as you know. 

Cornel. And what said she f 

Anton. He has been charged before the Nine with practising 
With the Messeri of the Tolomei 



292 THE MONTAKINI 



To bring the exil'd nobles back agaih. 
Domicil. Plotting with Deo of the Tolomei, 

The banish'd auelf! '' What say'st thou, child, to that? 
Cornel. 'T is, Aunt, a mere political offence, — 

Eebelhon, — - even if the charge be prov'd. 
Domicil, Don't contradict me, child : I say, 't is crime. 

Leag'd with the Tolomei to expel 

The Salimbeni ! Said I not he was 

Our house's foe ! Is 't prov'd ? [to Anton. 

Anton. Madonna, yes. 
Domicil. And what his punishment ? 

Anton. Condemn'd to pay 

A thousand florins,^^ or to lose his head. 
Cornel. 'T is tyranny ! Ippolito so will say. 

That poor Angelica ! and her brother's life ! 
Domicil. Ippolito will say no such a thing. 

And poor Angelica need not be concern'd : 

Their friends will pay the fine and save his life. — 

Plotting with Deo of the Tolomei, 

The banish'd G-uelf ! I told thee that the cinders 

Were smouldering still. But thou wouldst not believe. 

Young folk were not so headstrong in my day. 

[Exit Domicil, 
Cornel. Is Messer Carlo really condemn'd ? 
Anton. I stood before the Palace of the Signory. 

Men talk'd of nothing else. They say, he is given 

Two weeks to pay the mulct in. 

Cornel. Poor young lady I 

How did she bear it ? 



ACT II. sc. 1. 293 



Anton. As you may suppose, 

Knowing, Madonna, that her brother was 

A god in the lady's eyes. She swoon' d away. 

I wish my master were return' d ! 

Cornel, For what ? 
Anton. I don't know, Monna Neha. But you see — 

Monna Angehca is the sweetest creature ! 

My master is — I think An angel quite ! 

Cornel. Thy master ? 

Anton. Monna G-elica, I mean. 
Cornel I think so too, good N"ello. Say no more. 

Learn all thou canst. And, hark thou! if it be 

Thou hear'st the desolate lady is in need 

Of aught that I can furnish, let me know. 

I will supply it. Only, have a care 

She shall not know the true source whence it comes. 
Anton. Grod's life ! Madonna, thou 'rt an angel too ! 
Cornel. Thou knowest. Madonna Angelica and I 

Are neighbors, and good manners spread by contact. 

Gro now, hear all, and see all ; but thy mouth, 

For Salimbene's honor, keep thou'* close ! 

[JExit^ joyfully^ hut with marhed respect ^ Anton, 

I would too that Ippolito were back ! 

What will he do ? He loves that lovely lady 

Better than life. And say what will my aunt, 

He has no feeling of enmity for the brother. 

But thinks as I do of these silly feuds. 

I would I durst inform her of his love ! 

But her kind heart is so o'ergrown with weeds 



294 THE MONTAKINI 



Of genealogy and family pride, 

They choke the wheat of sense and Christian grace. 

To think of fighting for a pack of hounds ! 

And a whole family spent for one boar's blood I 

I wonder not the people are sick of rank 

And shut ancestral honors from their gates. 

If Carlo Montanino sought to open them, 

His head is not so solid as it looks, 

And might, for all its use, as well be off. 

[Turns to make her JExit^ in same direction as Dornicilla^ 
and Scene closes. 



ACT II. SC. 2. 295 

Scene II. 

2- 

A cell in the puhlic prison. 

Carlo, 

seated on a hench apparently of stone, and leaning 

pensively on a small tahle of seemingly similar material, his 

forehead on his hand. 

A noise luithin, as of holts withdrawn, 

and a narroiv vaulted door, at the right, opens. A Jailer 

gives admittance to Beccari, and then, at a sign 

from the latter, shuts in the two 

together. 

Becc. {after a moment — Carlo not rising. 

You sent for me, Messere. I have corae. 
Carlo, dropping his hand, looks at him steadily, 
hut does not rise. 
Will it please you speak ? 'T is not a thing most usual 
For a high Signer of the State to wait 
On a convicted culprit. 

Carlo rises ivith dignity, and comes foriuard with 
an air of tranquil yet melancholy majesty, and 
speaks in a- tone corresponding to his mien. 
Carlo. I am not — 
Neither culprit, nor convicted ; though condemn' d, 
I feel, most truly, and condemn' d unjustly. 
I had no thought, Messer', to wound your pride. 



296 THE MONTAl^rNTI 



You were not of the bench which took away 
My Hberty on a perjur'd charge, sustain'd 
By no clear evidence, and against whose substance 
I was not sufFer'd even to protest. 

Becc. I was not on the bench ; but being of those 

Who judg'd and who condemn'd you, must not hear 
Their justice call'd in question. Not for me 
To sentence you unheard ; nor will you credit, 
That I, whom 't not concerns, should greatly care 
Whether you be or innocent or not. 
But all men are my brothers, and as man 
My heart can throb with sympathy for those 
Whom as a magistrate my tongue must censure. 
For this, and for your noble sister's sake 

Carlo, [quietly, yet with slight severity. 

My sister leave alone, and speak of me. 

Becc. Why hinder that an angel come between 
Our earthy natures, and make smooth a path 
That either may without her find too rough ? 

Carlo, [with increased severity ^ yet without passion. 
Messer', Messere^ ! this is to abuse 
Our several positions. What you mean 
I know not, but between yourself and me 
Is no affair wherein my sister mingles. 

Becc. Well, Messer Carlo Montanino, well. 

I thought you had found need of me, and came 
To offer help. Why sent you for me then ? 

Carlo. Ser G-asparo Beccari, oftentimes 

You have sued to me to have my only farm 



ACT II. SC. 2. 297 



Down in tlie vale of Strove, and late offer'd 

Up to twelve hundred florins, which I refus'd, 

Not willing then to sell at any price. 

My need now is ascendant. Take the farm. 

Becc. No, Messer Montanino ; times are chang'd. 

To tempt you, I made offers far above 

The actual value. These you chose, from pride, 

Or fancy, or whatever cause you will, 

Flatly to set at nought. T is now my turn. 

• You ask to sell. I wall not give you now 

Twelve hundred florins. 

CotIo, I had not suppos'd 

You wish'd to chaffer. 

Becc. Then you quite forgot 

i am a merchant, as your foresires were, 

And were, 't is not yet threescore years gone by, 

The great destroyers of your lesser race. 

The wealthy Salimbeni ; wiser they, 

And better patriots, who could lend the State 

For one emergence twenty thousand florins 

Out of their private coffers. 

Carlo. But well secur'd.-^ 

What boots this reminiscence ? That my sires 

Were not of the dominant faction, let my need, 

And that I am now imprison' d on a charge 

Utterly false, untried, without a word 

Permitted in defence, and doom'd to lose 

My life, or pay a fine beyond my means, 

Let this fittest, and plead for your forbearance ; 
13* 



298 THE MONTAIS^INI 



ISTor seek to wound who casts no stone at you. 
Becc. I might reply, Messere, that you have, 

Though it fell short. But let us pass that over. 
Our talk is now of money. He who bids 
For what is not on sale must offer largely. 
I did so. Who would sell where is no bid, 
Must tempt with easy prices. You do not. 
I dropp'd the magistrate at your desire; 
I can resume it, so please you, and withdraw, [turns to go. 
Carlo. Yet stay. 
He walks up the stage, Beccari watches him with a look of 
exultant malignity^ which he instantly suppresses^ when 
Carlo, returning^ raises his head and resumes. 
'T is hard. But I have no resource. 
Grive me a thousand florins, and take the farm. 
Becc. 'T was my first offer, truly. But remember, 
I bade you note 't was much beyond its worth. 
'T is you that wish to sell, not I to buy. 
The case is alter' d. 

Carlo. Do I hear aright ? 
Is this your charity ? 

Becc. 'T is my common sense. 
I wonder you not see it. 

Carlo. 'T is because 
You sought to blind me with your Christian love 
And human sympathy. 

Becc. That was no blind. 
I hold all men my brothers, and I sorrow 
For you as for all others, but no more. 



ACT II. SC. 2. 299 



I do to you wliat you would do to me 
Under like circumstances. 

Carlo, {loftily, and with more ofpassio7i 

than he has hitherto betrayed, 

Never! Nq, 
Not were you my worst enemy. 

Becc. So you think. 
It is but your opinion. I have mine. 
I am a stranger to your class as blood, 
A man of the people : why do you appeal 
To me, when you have friends of your own rank ? 
Your father's blood is lessen'd to the veins 
Of only two : but yet your mother's flows 
In a fair stream. Not wholly are you spent, 
Nor quite alone. There are who boast your kin 
Who are rich, though happily for the pubhc peace 
And common weal they are no more of note. 
Why in your urgence not sohcit them ? 
Carlo. You ask to mock me, knowing well ere this 

They had freed me, were 't their will. They haply dread, 
Being of a faction hated by your rule, 
To fall into suspicion, lend they aid 
To a suspected rebel. 

Becc. Lo you now ! 
Your mother's blood g^o^vs niggard, and the friends 
Of your own faction pale before the terror 
Of charg'd complicity, yet you call on me 
A Grhibeline and an alien to your race, 
A ruler in the city which condemns you, 



300 THE MONTANINI 



To lend you aid, and venture my good name 
With my associate rulers and the people 
Whose interests by so doing I may betray ! 
Well, I will venture; I have come for that; 
And let your conscience after bid you blush, 
That 3^ou have cast a slur upon my charity 
And Christian love. Messer Carlo Montanino, 
I will take your land in Strove at its worth. 
The residue to make up your amercement 
May easily be found : so much your friends 
May lend, nor give suspicion to the State. 
Carlo, What is your offer ? 

Becc. What the farm would bring 
To-morrow were it set to public sale : 
Seven hundred florins. 

Carlo. Let our parle here cease. 
The o'erstrain'd tyranny which has sent me hither, 
An innocent man, to ruin or to death. 
Is not more odious than the skulking malice 
Which flouts my poverty and the rampant avarice 
Which drives a bargain with my mortal need. 
Usurping blasphemously the pure name 
Of Christian charity. There is the door. 

[said loftily^ hut ivitJi a melancholy 
majesty that is above passion. 

While Beccari replies^ the cell door is again 

throtvn open, and the Jailer admits 

Angelica and Barbara. 



ACT II. SC. 2. 301 



Barbara remains in the background. Angelica without 

a word throivs herself upon Carlo's hreast^ who 

presses her there in silence until Beccari, 

whom he does not from this time 

regard^ has made his Exit, 

Becc. Since I am here invited, Messer Carlo, 

You should have left me to depart unbidden. 

Your insult on the magistral authority 

I shall not to your detriment report. 

Your obloquy of me, and most ungrateful 

Perversion of my meaning, I shall strive. 

More for that noble lady's sake than yours, 

To not remember, and for her sweet sake 

Will do you service yet despite yourself. 

Meanwhile, peace with you ! — Jailer, let me forth. 

[knochs at the door, ivhich is opend. 
Exit Beccari. 
Angel. Oh Carlo ! is all hopeless ? Oh my brother ! 
Carlo, [raising her from his breast 

and kissing her on the forehead. 

Why ask, Angelica ? Was thy quest in vain ? 

Bertuccio Arrigucci will not aid me ? 
Angel. Alas ! he listen' d kindly, seem'd surpris'd 

To hear of thy embarrassment, and distress'd 

To think he must refuse ; because, he said, 

His known attachment to the banish' d side. 

And his affinity, through his son Rugiero, 

With Messer Sozzo Dei, made it for him 



302 THE MONTANINI 



More dangerous than for others to lend thee aid. 

He wonder'd that you did not sell your farm, 

Which must he thought bring full a thousand florins. 
Carlo. Thus all of them prepare to see me die ! 

I was unjust to accuse this batcher's son, 

The associate of a tyrannous popular rule, 

Of want of charity and malicious will. 

When my own kindred and best-trusted friends, 

To escape suspicion and a possible fine, 

Selfishly give me over to the axe. 

What though they should affront even risk of exile. 

Or sequestration of all worldly goods. 

Is not my blood in the scale ? And were theirs balanced. 

Would not I venture more ? even life as well ? 

But no ! that is for me to exact too much. 

Nor do I do it, Angelica. Yet — and yet — 

Why did not my rich cousin advance the means 

To others less obnoxious, and through the^i 

Have got me clear ? 

Angel. 'T is like he did not think it. 

I will to him instantly and urge the plan. 
Carlo. No ; he will tell thee that the State would trace 

The ransom to its source and make him answer. 

Thou shalt not blush, nor for thyself nor me, 

At his renew' d refusal. 

Angel. In such a case 

There can be nought to blush for. Rather shame 

Is his who, in an hour of mortal need, 

Denies a kinsman aid, than his who asks it. 



ACT II. sc. 2. 303 



Ob let me back, my brotber ! if not to bim. 
Yet to some otber. Do not sbake tby bead ! 
Wbere Hfe is bope is, and it cannot be 
All will repel us. 

Carlo. I do fear it will. 
Tbere is none to us allied, remote or near, 
Tbat is not fallen into some suspect 
Witb tbe malignant ]^ine, or will not plead 
Tbeir jealous fears, to avoid tbe doing of wbat 
Migbt baply move suspicion. ISTo, believe me. 
He wbo would aid me will not need be ask'd. 

Angel. Tben must we sell our pretty place in Strove. 
Do it, dear Carlo, and quit tbis fearful den. 

Carlo. Poor cbild ! And wilt tbou tell me bow to sell ? 
Didst tbou not mark Beccari's mood in parting ? 

Angel. Sometbing I noted in bis tone : not mucb. 

He seem'd to bave been repuls'd. He came to buy ? 

Carlo. Doubtful, since otbers fail'd me, tbat Bertuccio 
Would listen even to tbee, I sent to speak 
Witb Ser Beccari, and bad from bim a lesson 
Was bardly needed. 

Angel. Wbat was tbat, my brotber? 

Carlo, Tbou bast mark'd, among tbe gentlest even of birds, 
How wben one sickens, or is broken-w^ing'd, 
Tbe rest will peck at bim, nay oftentimes 
Tbe male at tbe w^ounded female. So witb men. 
Tbe strong, wbo need no belp, bave belp in plenty. 
'T is press' d upon tbem even against tbeir will. 
Tbe feeble cry in vain ; tbeir bappier brotbers 



304 THE MONTANINI 



Pluck at their feathers and worry them to death. 

Angel. No, Carlo, not with all. [embracing him. 

Carlo. No, Earth were Hell, 
Were there no angels in it. But thou, my cherub, 
Thy wing is broken too. 

Angel. Thou dost not mean, 
We cling together only that we both 
Are poor and helpless ? 

Carlo. No ; thought I that. 
The headsman's axe were welcome. Said I not, 
Thou art an angel ? While thou tread'st its walks 
Earth still has Paradise, and therefore only, 
For thy sweet sake, I struggle yet to live. — 
But to the means of life — which yet I see not. 
Beccari offer' d fdr the farm, thou knowest. 
Twelve hundred florins. Then, I could refuse. 
Now I must offer, he will not give me more 
Than seven hundred. 'T is the law of trade. 
So he would teach me. But I rather think it 
The law of common nature. I am down : 
Why lift me up ? M}^ body stops the way. 
Let the proud trample on it, or step over, 
Nor stop to ask if yet its heart beats warm. 

Angel. do not talk so desperately, dear brother ! 
See ! through thy prison-bars the setting sun 
Darts even now a line of level gold. 
It has been hidden all the livelong day. 
Accept the omen, Carlo : trust in God, 
Who will not leave thy virtue unrepaid. 



ACT II, SC. 2. 305 



Carlo. ITo, thine, sweet saint : mine has no note in Heaven : 
This ray of sunset fortune shines for thee. 
Be it I I shall die happy. 

Angel, Carlo! Carlo! 
This doubt tempts Providence : and this despair, 
Is it for me to listen ? 

Cfarlo, !N*o, forgive me. 
I v^ill for thy sake think what may be done. 
Angel. Think not, but act ! Command the farm be sold ! 

Bertuccio valued it a thousand' florins. 
Carlo. Well, I will ponder. Sleep thou undisturb'd. 

[stooping to kiss her. 
Angel, {throwing herself on his necJc. 

Sleep undisturb'd! while thou art pillow'd here ? 
Carlo. Fi, fi ! is this thy trust in Heaven ? See now ! 
Thou art making good Barbara herself to cry ! 
Cheer up, my sister ! — So ! — Knock, Barba, now. 

[Barh. hnochs on the portal^ which is 
opened hy the Jailer. 
Grood even, Angelica, [embracing her. 

Angel, Do sell the farm ! 
Do, do, my brother ! [kisses him fondly and repeatedly^ 
then, going out, suddenly comes hack, and 
embraces him silently, and Exit, 
followed by Barbara. 
The door is closed, and the 
bolts are heard within. 
Carlo, And what wouldst thou then do ? 
Must I give thee to beggary ? thee ? I will 



306 THE MONTANINI 



Indeed well ponder it. — The ray is fled. 

{looking off the scene. 
It came with thee, and would not stay, thou gone. 
And now, without that double light, these walls 
Are blacker than before. — guard her, Heaven I 
With me do even as befits Thy Will, 
But have, I pray, have mercy upon Iier ! 

He walks up the stage, and Scene closes. 



Scene III. 

The Entrance of the Palazzo Montanini within. 
The Background presents the Great Gate 
closed. On the Right, the lower 
steps of a winding staircase. 
On the Left, the Por- 
ter'' s Lodge. 
Knocking without. 

Enter GriAmnii from the Lodge, 

Gianni, Now, who can that be, knocking at the gate ? 
You '11 not get in, I 'm thinking ! now I — St. John 



ACT II. SC. 3. 307 



You 're in a hurry ! 
Moving slowly to the gate.~\ But there takes one more 
To give you speed ; and that 's not I. I '11 see, 
However, who you be : it is n't safe, 

Now everybody 's out Ay, ay, I hear ! 

[draws a slide covering a latticed loophole and looks out. 
Hum ! Ser Beccari ! What wants he, I wonder. 
[ Opens partially a postern in the great door and, 
looking out, 
The mistress 's out ; and Barbara is out ; 
The master 's where nobody better knows 
Than you, I 'm thinking. So you can't come in, 
Messer Beccari. [offering to shut the postern. 

It is pushed hack, and, brushing by him, 

Enter Beccari. 

Becc. !N'ever mind, my friend, 
I '11 wait thy mistress. 

Gian. Mistress is n't us'd 
To be awaited. She is where she ought, 
Consoling my poor master, Messer Carlo, 
Who 's where he ought not ; greater shame to those 
Who put him there ! and won't be home till dark. 
Becc, That won't be long ; the sun is setting now. 

Come, my good Grianni ; thou 'rt a brave old fellow, 
Plain, downright, honest stuff, such as I like ; 

And 

Gian. No, I a'n't ; nor plain, nor honest more 



308 THE MONTAIS^INI 



Than other folk, I 'm thinking ; but I know 
Just what I hke and what I don't Hke, and 
I show it. 

Becc. And that 's downright. 

Gian. No, it is n't ; 
It 's natural : that 's my idea, 

Becc. Well, be it. 
It is thy nature, Grianni, and 't is mine, 
To show our likings. And I do so now. 
Come, there is money. \_Gianni looks at it wistfully ^ hut 

turns away. 
Nay, my frank old man ; 
'T is frankly ofifer'd ; and I know thou need'st it; 
Ye are not over well provided here. 
Gian. I say we are : who told you we were not ? 
And I can take no pay but from the master. 
Put up your money : you are tempting me 
To nothing good, I 'm thinking ; but you won't 
Succeed : that 's my idea. 

Becc. If I had thought to, 
I had not try'd to tempt thee, as thou call'st it. 
No, good old man, I am thy master's friend. 
Although he does not know it ; would gladly aid him, 
As I would all the unhappy of mankind. 
Gian. [who has shook his head distrustfully while 
Becc. spoke. 
But I am not unhappy. 

Becc. Peace I — It is 
Because I know thee loyal to thy lord 



ACT II. SC. 3. 309 



I seek to do thee kindness. Take it ! [offering again the 
money. Gianni looks wistfully and sidelong at it^ as he- 
fore^ hut struggles with his desire^ and shakes his head. 

No? 
Well then, some other time. And 't is for this, 
My wish to serve thy master spite himself, 
I 'd speak with thy young mistress. Tell me now — 
Thou knowest, good G-ianni — of what mood is she ? 
Qian. Eh? 

Becc. Of what temper, disposition ? 

Gian. Oh ! 
The same as Master's. 

Becc. So ? I should have thought 
They hardly were alike. And what is his ? 
Gian, The same as mine : he don't like strangers. So, 
Please to go out, Messer Beccari. 

Becc. Come ! 
Please to remember what I am. 

Gian. I do. 
You are one of our rulers, the more shame for you. 
The people do not like you any more 
Than do the nobles ; only, these dare not 
Speak out their minds, as dare the people, and I, 
Because you cannot hurt me, since I am 
Not worth the hurting. But you are a set ^ 

Of shabby tyrants, and you know it ; and 
The sooner we are rid of you, the better.^^ 
That 's my idea. 

Becc. Plain, downright, honest G-ianni ! 



310 THE MONTANINI 



Dost recollect, though I may not hurt thee^ 
These sentiments, reported as thy master's, 
May hurt him ? 

Gian. Well ; he is in prison, is n't he ? 
And I don't know but that you put him there. 
Becc. I ? No ! I should be glad to get him out. 
Gian. Well, do it then : that 's better than to say it : 
And I shall think the better of you. But 
You cannot do it here : and, as Madonna 
Is not at home, I wish you would go out. 
That 's my idea. 

Becc. [turning to go. 

It 's my idea, my friend. 
Thou dost not know thy right foot from thy left. 
But I shall come to-morrow ; and thou 'It see 
I am thy lady's right hand in this strait. 
Commend me to her, and tell her I' so said. 
Gictn. [opening the postern. 

I '11 tell her that a magistrate was here, 
And recommend her not to have to do 
With any of that sort. That 's my idea. 

[Exit Beccari. 
Good even, Ser Beccari. — 

Shutting the door.] And the Devil 
s G-o with you, and the like of you ! — I'm glad 
He 's gone. Madonna will come home 
Quite sad enough from poor dear Master's prison, 
Without this beast to make her cry, I 'm thinking. 
He 's got long claws, I '11 warrant, though he purs. 



ACT II. SC. 3. 311 



I 've seen the kind before ; you rub the fur 
A Httle rough, and out the nails come sharp. — 
'T is time she was a-coming. I '11 look out. 

[opening again the postern. 
Messer Carlo, it will break her heart 
It the J should kill you ! and I think 't will mine. 
He puts his head out at the opening ^ and 

Scene closes. 



312 THE MONTANINI 



Act the Third 

Scene I. As in Act I. Scene I. 

Angelica 
coming slowly forward to Beccari, who, bowing profoundly, 
appears to have just entered ; Barbara also ad- 
vancing, hut keeping behind her mistress, 
a little in the background. 

Becc. Madonna, does this moment find you free ? 
Angel. As free as at a time of such distress 

I can be. What is Ser Beccari's pleasure ? 
Becc. To do away, Madonnaj that distress, 

If so it please you. In your own hand lies 

Your brother's destiny. 

Angel. In mine ? In mine ? 

And I not know it ? But you are of the Nine. 

Speak, speak, Messer' ! Why has he languish'd then 

Ten days in prison ? I do not understand you. 

In my hand? Speak! 

Becc. In thine, most truly, lady. 

Had I obey'd my feelings, I had come 

Five days ago to see you, as I promis'd 

That evening when you loiter'd at the prison 

And your rude porter would not let me wait. 



ACT III. sc. 1. 313 



A^ngel. do not call him rude, that good old man ! 

He is but loyal ; 't is our house's sorrow 

Has fill'd him with distrust. 

Becc. I do not blame him ; 

He follows but the master's gloomy lead. 

And 't is for this alone his captious humor 

Deserves my mention. Pride and cold disdain 

Meet, on your brother's part, my Christian offers, 

And my best efforts are thwarted by distrust. 

Angel. [losing her animation, and resuming the air of dignity and 

reserve with which she had met Beccari. 

You do remind me. 'T is that you yourself 

Have given him cause to judge you harshly. 

Becc. How? 

I came to him to offer for his farm ; 

And did so largely. He refus'd, and haughtily. 

Angel. I think not : haughtiness is not his vice. 

Becc. ISTo, 't is his weakness. 

[Angel, evinces pain and displeasure. 

Pardon ! I meant not 

To ruffle feelings which I most revere. 

He did refuse : Madonna, you were by. 

Angel. He wish'd not then to sell. But, chang'd the case, 

He sent for you ; and then you did reject 

The terms you had offer' d. 

Becc. 'T was, the ease was chang'd. 

Angel. What ! do you drive a traffic with distress. 

And in the emergence of a mortal need 

Find pretext to enhance the means of aid ? 
YoL. lY— 14 



314 THE MOJ^TANINI 



Becc. Why not, young lady ? Do not all men so ? 
I ask'd your brother, and I ask you now, 
Why do not his own friends, your mother's kin, 
Assist him? 

Angel. Wo is us! they dare not do it. 
But you, Messere, dare. 

Becc. No more than they. 
Might I not be suspected too ? No, lady^ 
Your brother^ Messer Carlo, has not had 
That deference for me he should have had. 
I would befriend him. Will you let me so ? 
Look at the Salimbeni, his destroyers 

Angel. Wrong not the innocent ! 

Becc. Pardon ! I should say, 
Destroyers of his race. What gave them power ? 
They owe it not to their enormous wealth,^"* 
But to their influence with the popular party. 
Their union with the dominant cause, through which 
They drove their sole great rivals from the State. 

Angel. To what tends this ? I own, Messer Beccari, 

You are of the Nine ; and therefore more I wonder, 
That having the power, and the will professing. 
To aid my hapless brother in this strait, 
You but parade it, and not use it. 

Becc, Lady, 
I only bid you mark it, in the hope 
You now will bid me use it ; for on you, 
And you alone, depends it that I do. 

Angd, What mean you ? 



ACT in. sc. 1. 315 



Becc. Said I not, that in your hands 
Lies your lov'd brother's destiny ? 

Angel. Explain. 
Keep me not anxious ! 

Becc. Bid your servant then, 
I pray you of your courtesy, for my sake, 
Withdraw a brief while. 

Angel. Backward a few steps, 
Out of all hearing, if that will suffice. 
Becc. If so it must be. 

Angel. Barbara, retire; 
But keep in sight. 

Barbara goes up the stage, hut very soon, when 

Beccari has ceased to ohserve her, moves 

nearer hy degrees, and listens. 

!N"ow briefly. 

Becc. [looJcing hack, then in a 
lower, tone. 
Were, Madonna, 
Your brother my ally ; in other words, 

Our interests made one 

Angel. That cannot be. 
Not for his life would Carlo change his faction, 
Were not his sentiments first chang'd. 

Becc. Dear lady, 
You do misapprehend me. N'ot through him 
The alliance I propose, but — dare I say 't ? 



316 THE MONTANINI 



Through you. 

Angel. Speak more conceivably, Messere. 
Becc. I see around in these disfurnish'd rooms 
No mirror hung, or I would bid you look, 
And there receive my answer. 

Angel. Barbara! 

Becc. Nay, 
Call her not to you. Think ! in five days more, 
Your brother's life is forfeit. Will you not 
Eeach out a hand to save him ? 

Angel. By what means ? 
Becc. By lifting up the fortune I would lay 

At your fair feet, and with it lifting me. 
Angel. Never ! I trust in Heaven ; nor will I stoop 
To even listen to what is shame from one 
Who builds his hopes of winning me — since so 
I needs must understand yoa — on the ruin 
Of my own brother. Come, Barbara. 

Becc. Lady, no! 
By your own gentle self, I pray I one word I 
Think not so meanly of me, deem me not 
So senseless-daring, had I even the heart, 
To offer in exchange your brother's life 
^ For the high honor of your hand. Believing 
I am too humble, having in myself 

No claim to do you homage 

Angel. Cease, Messere. 
In any way I would not listen ; but this 
I may advise : — to win the right to plead, 



ACT III. SC. 1. 317 



You should have set my innocent brother free, 
Then come to me. 

Becc. And would you then have listened ? 
May I then hope, dear lady, if I give 

Your brother to your arms again ? 

Angel. Hope nothing, 
Messer Beccari, that is not in truth 
And reason. If indeed you use the pov^er 
You seem now to avow, nay, if you keep 
Simply your proffer' d terms, and for the farna 
Pay down my brother's ransom, then, sir, then, 
Come to his sister, and you shall receive 
All that a truly grateful heart can pay. 
My first of benefactors and my friend. 
Becc. And nothing more but this ? 

Angel. And nothing more : 
Since nothing more can be. What would you more? 

Ser Beccari ! give again to life 

My father's son, and thou shalt be to me 
A second father ! 

Becc. You mistake, Madonna ; 

1 am but one of Mne, and have no power 

To free your brother, though Heaven knows my wish 
Leans heartily that way. To purge him clear 
Of the strong charge of treason to the State, 
Nay more, to give him influence in the State, 
Build up his ruin'd fortunes, and his head. 
Which the axe threatens, lift as high as the best 
Of the Salimbeni, this was in my will. 



318 THE MONTANINI 



But the sole means to compass it you would not, 
Scorning my honest love. — 

Angel. I have said, Messere I 
In any way I will not listen that. 
Cease then to urge it. Not to build his fortune ■ 
Thought I to accept your proffered aid, for that 
My brother would disdain from any man. 
He has offer' d you, upon your own urg'd terms, 
The estate in Strove. Was it ten days since 
A thousand florins worth, 't is not less now. 
Bertuccio Arragucci counts it that. 
Take it, and for the urgence of our need 
Become our benefactor. Said I more ? 
Thou shalt be, truly shalt thou be, my friend, 
My second father. 

Becc. If the Ser Bertuccio, 
Your mother's cousin, lends not, why should I, 
My risk is greater, brave the State's suspect ? 
Lady, I am a merchant ; I can give 
Nothing for nothing ; and my profits vary 
According to the need which makes my ware 
Rise in the mart or fall. I would not be 
Your second father ; I would rather be, 
That which your beauty and excelling virtue 
Make foremost of my wishes, your first spouse. 
Hear me then. — 

Angel. Barbara, come. The Ser Beccari 
Can as before alone find out his way. 

[Exeunt Angel, and Barh. 



ACT in. sc. 1. 319 



Becc. Distraction ! 'T is the same accursed pride 
Deep-set in both, though putting forth diversely, 
According to the soil wherein 't is grown. 
I '11 pluck it up by the roots, or I will die for 't ! 

[turning to go. 

Enter Gtianni. 

Gian. Well, you have seen at last Madonna G-elica. 
I hope you are satisfied, Messer' Beccari ? 
You 've found she don't like magistrates, I 'm thinking. 
You 'd best not come again, that 's my idea. 
And so, I '11 show you out, if so you 're done. 
Becc. Silence, old fool ! And lead the way. I am done 
For the present — here. 

Gian. Come, [leading off.'] Better an old fool, 
Than be a sinner at any age, I 'm thinking. 

[Stops at the Exit^ to give the advance to Becc. 

Exit Becc. 
And so you '11 find one day — that 's my idea. 

[Exit Gianni. 



320 THE MONTANINI 



Scene II. 

As in Act II. Scene I. 

Ippolito. Cornelia. Domicilla. 

Ippol E"ow, Aunt IJocilla, now, Cornelia dear. 

Ippolito has told you all his fortunes 

By stream and horsepath, forest, dell, and hill^ 

Since his prodigious absence of ten days, — 

And, ^sooth, it has seemed wondrous long indeed, 

Parted from your dear loves ! — 

Cornel, fi, Ippol'to ! 

Parted from our dear loves ? And is that all 

[looking at Mm archly. 

That weigh'd upon the sluggish wing of Time ? 
Domicil And what beside should load the hours for him ? 

Thou dost injustice to thy brother's love. 
Cornel, ISTo, I do perfect justice to his love. 

Don't I, Ippolito ? [same manner, 

Domicil. Child, don't contradict. 

Thou interrupt'st him. Do as thou seest me. 

When I was young, a damsel would have blush' d 

To cut the thread short of her brother's tale. 

But times are chang'd. 

Cornel. 'T is well they are, dear Aunt, 



ACT III. SC. 2. 321 



Since it may do a pleasure to one's brother 
To cut his thread off or make short his tale. 
I am sure I have done so now. 

Domicil. Gro on, my son. 
Don't mind her : in her joy to have thee back, 
She talks a deal of nonsense. 

Ippol. Let her, Aunt ! 
1 like it well : it helps digestion. Then, 
My thread was well nigh spent. I meant to say, 
ISTow I have made you merry with my journey 
And scenes abroad, lift you the curtain here, 
And show what 's new since I left Yito's gate. 
Say thou, Cornelia. 

Cornel. Hast thou not then heard ? 

Ippol, Nothing that 's strange. Siena is, I take it, 
Not any sager being ten days older, 
But the same seething pot of faction still. 
The Devil can find none hotter, save what boils 
On our near neighbors' fires ; Arezzo, Pisa, 
Florence, all help to keep each other little ; 
And so Italia's states will do, I suppose. 
To the end of time, with foreign greater powers 
To egg them on, who find in their dissensions 
The means to keep them separate and thus weak. 
But Aunt, I see, don't think me ten days wiser. 
Who 've come back harping on the same old string. 
Come, what 's to tell, Cornelia ? Is it jocund ? 

Cornel. So Aunt thinks : but I say, 't will make thee sad. 

Domicil. I say, 't will not. Though, times are greatly chang'd 
14* 



322 THE MONTANINI 

Since I was young. 

Ippol. Not quite : tastes differ still. 
But let us hear. 

Cornel. Poor Carlo Montanino 

Ippol. Not dead ? 

Cornel. No, but condemn'd to die, within 

Five days, unless 

Ippol. Grood Heaven ! what has he done ? 
Domicil. What might be thought of him : conspir'd, my child, 
Against the State. 

Ippol. Conspir'd against the State ? 
"What might be thought of him ? Why, Aunt Docilla, 
Almost as soon I had thought it of myself! 
Cornel. There, Aunt! 

Ippol. Why surely, you would not rejoice 
To have him dead ? 

Domicil. Griesu forbid ! But dead 
He is n9t like to be : a thousand florins. 
Cost what they will, may sometime be replac'd ; 
Never a head. 

Ippol, A thousand florins ? \in perplexity. 
Cornel. Aunt 
Is not quite right. The poor young man stands charg'd 
With leaguing to bring back the banish'd nobles. 
Domicil And is n't that the same ? Child, thou art rude I 
Ippol. Not quite the same. I could not think him guilty 
Of plotting against his country ; but conspiring 
To unseat the powers that be is lighter guilt, 
And not unhkelv. 



ACT III. sc. 2. - 323 



Domicil. How thou talk'st, Ippol'to ! 

Why, it is Carlo Montanino plotting 

The restoration of our deadliest foe, 

The puissant Tolomei ! Hear'st thou that ? 
fypol. Puissant enough : but he is weak, and humbled, 

Forget it not ! through us. A thousand florins 

Will ruin him. 

Domicil. Is 't my brother's son that speaks? 

The blood of Massimino Salimbene 

Ippol. Shed now two hundred years is all too dry 

To fructify mischief, if there lie one seed 

Of such in my breast for Carlo Montanino. 
Domicil. And thou canst pity him ! Times indeed are chang'd ! 
Ippol. The last male scion of an ancient house 

Reduc'd to poverty by his foresire's faultl 

I would my foresires had no hand in it! 

He is a fine young fellow : I wish him well. 

Domicil. Thy father had not thought this. In my day 

Ippol. In thy day, Aunt, my fatlier's self had shudder'd 

To tread upon a corpse. Was 't not an ass 

That kick'd at the dead lion ? Wouldst thou have me 

Even such a brute ? thy pet Ippolito 

Whom thy dear lips have flatter' d into pride ? 

Domicil. No, no, my child ! my boy ! But yet 

Ippol. But yet. 

Even if this be prov'd 

Cornel. It is not prov'd ! 

They would not let him answer in defence ! 

They hurried him to prison on the instant, 



324 THE MONTANINI 



Doom'd to pay down tlie fine, or lose his head. 

I'pjpol. The devil ! Why this is tyranny unmask' d ! 
Be this the way the Nine abuse the laws, 
I '11 join, myself; to drive the monsters out. 

Domicil. Hush, hush ! don't say it ! thou 'rt mad ! 

Ippol, By Heaven, Aunt, 
I believe we all in Italy are mad ! 
People against nobles, nobles 'gainst the people, 
Cities all striving to cut each other's throat, 
That foreign realms may rule us : all stark mad ! 
And have been ever since the Roman fall. 
Is it so long since Dante Alighieri, 
A man, beyond all computation, worth 
Ten thousand Bondelmonti and Uberti, 
And whose great voice shall thunder through all time, 
Stirring the pulse of millions yet to be, 
In climes where not a syllable shall sound 
Of Salimbene's name, dead on the page 
Of histories scarcely read, — unless some bard 
Should rake our ashes for a playhouse-theme 
And make them live an hour, — is 't many weeks 
Since Dante, by a faction driven abroad, 
Died mournfully in exile ? Where 's to end 
This tyranny of party ? this upstirring 
Of blood by brother's blood ? I 'm sick of it all. 
Thou look'st astonish'd, Aunt ; but in thy ear 
T only tell thee what is hourly thought 
By some of our best men, and when the ISTine 
Begin to totter, as they must ere long, 



ACT III. SC. 2. 325 



Some ev'n of our own name will join the hunt, 

JSTot Piccolomini and Malavolti only, 

And, with the Tolomei, chase these wolves 

Out of Siena."" 

Domicil. And with the Tolomei ? 

I never thought to see this day ! 

Ippol. Why not ? 

Interest makes stranger matches ; and we have seen 

The White and Black change colors in Firenze. 

This tyrant body, detested by the people 

Whose guardians they profess to be, shall they 

Be lov'd by us of the better class, whose rights 

They have dash'd to shivers ? What they now have done 

To Carlo Montanino they might do 

To me some day, were I as poor as he. 

Fancy me. Aunt, as desolate as he. 

Then wrong'd as he. Thou wouldst not praise the act ? 
Domicil, no, it was base ! I do not love the Nine : 

They were not made in my day. But, my boy. 

Speak not so boldly ! These vile, upstart men, 

Have now the power. For my sake 

Ippol, Well, I won't. 

But do have charity for poor Montanino ! 

And his sweet sister [checks himself^ while Cornelia^ 

stepping behind her aunt, makes 
him a signal of caution. 
Domicil. Well, my love, I see, 

Thou and Cornelia still will contradict me , 

And so I '11 leave you for some dumb aff[iirs 



326 THE MONTANINI 



That claim my overlooking, [looking off the scene. 

Coming, Lisa. — 
I '11 give thee such a meal ! [going. 

Ippol, [detaining her. 

But season it, do. 
With charity for Carlo, and Angel' — [checking himself. 
And his young sister ! 

Domicil. Ah ! in my young day 

Ippol. In thy young day, young fellows lov'd their aunts 
As well as they do now. At least, I 'm sure, 
If they were such as thou art, Aunt Docilla, 
They must have lov'd them spite of all their whims 
Of olden days, [hugging her. 

Domicil. Ippol'to ! Ippoltino ! 

[patting him on the cheek. 
Thou mak'st a fool of me. But in my day. 
When I was young, why surely then the times 
Were not the olden days. Well, well, I hope, 
The Montanino will deserve thy pity. 
I 'm sure I wish the young man no great harm, 

[Exit 
Cornel. Thou hast molhfied her hugely, artful brother ! 

But had she got an inkling of thy love ! 
Ippol. I had not car'd. She must ere long. 

Cornel. Have patience. 
Ippol. Now tell me of Angelica. How is she ? 

What does, where is, how looks she ? Speak, Cornqlia ! 
Cornel, Were it a time to trifle, I would tease thee 
By the hour on those questions: that I would! 



ACT III. SC. 2. 327 



I have seen her only twice. 'T was at the Duomo, 
At mass. AngeHca look'd anxious, pale, 
But beautiful as usual, quite an angel, 
As thou and some more fools pretend to think her 
Only because her name imports as much. 
Ijppol. Oh yes ! But thou 'rt an angel too, Cornelia, 
Without the name, [embracing her. 

Cornel. No, I 'm the Ronaan matron : 
My jewel is my brother. Keep away ! 

\as he again hugs her. 
Ippol. Well said. One day the gem shall be reset. 
Cornel. Methought she look'd more lovely for her sorrow; 

So touching-sad, it almost made me weep. 
Ippol. Thou darling girl ! [emhracing and hissing her repeatedly. 
Cornel. Nay, art thou getting mad ? 
Was Aunt then right, and wilt thou make thee gay 
Over thy enemy's ruin ? So, one's misfortune 
Makes others' happiness. 

Ippol. No, rather, sister, 
'T is sunshine looking brighter for the clouds. 
Cornel. She goes to the prison daily, sometimes twice : 
The Signory puts no restraint on that. 
Now thou must know our Nello has a fancy 
For Monna Angela's maid. — 

Ippol. Aha, my general ! 

And so 

Cornel. . I learn what happens in poor Carlo's cell. 
Ippol. Is it for Carlo's sake ? Don't blush, Cornelia ! 
Cornel. I have no cause. It is for thine, believe me. 



328 THE MONTANINI 



And pity only. 

Ippol, Yes, I do believe thee. 

But pity is a dangerous feeling too 

For a fine fellow in a woman's heart, 

A heart at least like thine ; and oft we end 

By loving what has cost us pains to cherish. 

Take care ! 

Cornel. Nay, never fear : I will not throw 

My heart away, believe, without knowing where : 

One mad one in the family 's quite enough. 

Now Barbara and Nello do much better : 

They talk together, and quarrel I suppose. 
Ippol. Ay ! 't is well turn'd : but have a care, for all : 

When least we think to slip, then most we fall. 
Cornel. 'T is a fair rhyme. Thou hast had experience too. 
Ippol. 'T is rhyme with reason then ; and that will do. 

But oh, my light heart ! jesting at this time ! 

What of the prison ? What keeps Carlo there ? 
Cornel. His friends refuse to aid him, in the dread 

Of being implicated. 

Ippol. Coward souls ! 

How bitter-sharp the pang of such a woand ! 
Cornel. One of our precious Signors, Ser Beccari, 

Had ofifer'd for his pretty farm in Strove 

A thousand florins. JSTow he will not give 

But seven hundred. 

Ippol. Oh the base-born cur ! 

One of his father's dogs had had more heart ! 

What will the doom'd man do ? 



ACT III. SC. 2. 329 



Cornel. He still defers, 
Though daily by his sister urg'd to sell. 
Tppol. And, so deferring, must embrace at last 
That hound Beccari's insolent offer, and beg 
A loan of the rest, perhaps too late ! 

Cornel. My brother, 
. I hope I have not done wrong. Through Antonello, 
I caus'd her maid to lay upon her table 
A hundred florins. — 

Ijppol. Ah ! [talcing her hand. 

And she received them, 
Knowing from whom ? 

Cornel. ISTo, Barbara was true, 
I know from the result. Her lady thinks 
Bertuccio Arrigucci sent the gold. 
Ippol. Bertuccio Arrigucci would not give 
A single florin to save a score of lives ! 
And never gave in the dark. — Go on. 

Cornel. I had 
Two hundred left of my allowance, and thinking 
I but forestall' d thy wishes, yester eve. 
Ere the poor lady with her lonely maid 
Was come from their sad visit, closely veil'd 
I sought old Grianni, Montanino's porter. — 
[ppol. Darling ! [pressing the hand he still holds. 
But why thyself? 

Cornel. I could not trust 
Any but Nello ; and he had been known. 
Angelica had forbidden, under pain 



330 THE MONTANINI 



Of sure dismissal, her woman to receive 
Anything further from an unknown source. 

Ippol. Eight ! And old Gianni ? 

Cornel. Hardly was persuaded, 
And put queer questions, scanning me all over 
As if he would remember me, and wanted 
To set his cross to some receipt. But finally 
His love for the house prevail' d, and shaking long 
His stubborn head, he took the ," partial aid 
From unknown friends." Now brother, Carlo having 
Beccari's offer, his ransom is complete. 

Ippol. [embracing tenderly Ms sister. 
How I do love thee ! 

Cornel. Is 't but now found out ? 
Love me, Ippol' to, 'only half so well 
As Carlo is said to love his beauteous sister, 
I am the first of women. 

Ippol. I can but half, 
For half of my love already is that sister's. 

Cornel. But half? That 's much for a lover ! — Come away 
Aunt looks for us. ' 

Ippol. And time it is, I was rid 
Of all this dust. — I am happy and sad at once. 
My poor Angelica ! But, ah dear Cornelia ! 

His arm about her tenderly^ they go up the stage, 

and Scene closes. 



ACT III. SO. 3. 331 



Scene III. 

The Place of the Fountain^ as in Act I. Sc. Ill, 

Beccari and Gtiacomo. 

Giac. Ay, but I say tliou hast! cajol'd me vilely. 

I am no butcher : [Beccari scowls at him. 
for a thousand florins 
I had not perill'd young Montanino's life. 
Thou mad'st me think it was to get the farm. 
Becc. And so it was. Why don't he sell it then ? 
I bid him fairly. 

Giac. Seven hundred florins ! 
It is to ruin hira. 

Becc. [coldly.] That is not my fault. 
Giac. Hast thou no bowels ? 

Becc. I have had for thee. 
Giac. No, by St. John ! but for thy niggard self. 
Thou shalt not let the Montanino die. 
I will report thee. 

Becc. Wilt thou? And thyself ? 
Come, come, be less a fool. If for Camilla 
Thou hast no care, have some for thy own sake. 
Report me ! me ! And if thy likely tale 



332 THE MONTANINI 



Be credited, where wilt thou be ? Besides, 

I call upon thee then for reimbursement. 

Five hundred golden florins : mark thou that I ^ 

And on the nail ! five hundred golden Johns ! ^® 

Now go, report me. [JExit 

Giac. Cursed, cursed vice ! 
To make me thus a villain's senseless tool ! 
Me, gentle born, an unresisting slave ! 
The blood of innocence is on my soul ; 
And jet I dare not wipe it off. Dare not ? 
Let me but see. [pondering. 

Some other means devil I 

Devil of gaming. From the hell whereto 
Thou hast brought me, let me once but struggle out, 
Once breathe again the fresher wholesome air 
Of really human life ! 

He has taken his hat off, in the heat and agitation of 

the moment, to wipe his hrow, — at the words^ '' Devil of 

gaming,'''' striking passionately his forehead with his clenched 

fist, — and now thrusts out his arm at its full 

length, the fist still folded, while 

he walks rapidly to the 

right, when 

Miter from the right, luith her pitcher^ 

Barbara. 

She sees the movement. 

Barh. Lord ! what 's the matter ? 
Why, Messer G-iacomo, thou 'rt rather worse 



ACT III. SC. 3. 333 



Than Messer G-asparo was, an hour ago, 
Before my lady. 

Giac. [starting. 

Hah ! What 's that of G-asparo ? 
Speak'st thou of G-asparo Beccari, dear ? 

[chuching her under the chin. 
Barh. Come, you are all alike, you naughty men ! 

That 's Messer Gasparo's way : he 's making love 
To everybody too, to me at once 
And to my lady ! 

Giac. And to thy lady too ? 
But that's no wonder. Since he has a taste 
For such a tempting bit of flesh as thou, — 
And, 'faith, thou 'rt devilish pretty — [kissing her. 

Bai^h. Go away ! 
Giac. And plump as a quail — [hugging her. She affects to he 

angry J and heats him off. 

I say, I do not wonder 
He has an eye for thy mistress ; ye are two 
Such buds of beauty, [again hissing her. 

Barh. [coquetting^ to conceal her satisfaction 
Come now, that 's too good ! 
Me and my mistress ! Why we 're no more like 
Than pinks and sunflowers ! 

Giac. Did I say, alike ? 
Now that 's the very thing ; since, devil take me, 
I 'd rather smell to a dainty pink like thee, [attempting to 
kiss her again. She coyly repels him. 
Than gaze at any sunflower like thy lady. 



334 THE MONTAlSriNI 



Though, tastes will differ! Yet, I can't believe 

Beccari ever did ; thou 'rt such a puss ! 
Barh. Am I indeed I And don't you then believe ! 

Well, I can tell you, he offer' d her his fortune, 

And talk'd of passion'like any other man. 

What though he 's of the Signory, is he not 

A man of bones and blood ? He try'd it hard, 

And offer'd to redeem my master's life 

Giac. Why dost thou stop ? 

Barh. Because I talk too fast. 

I had no right to tell you this. 

Giac. No right ? 

A 'pretty girl like thee may tell a lover 

Just what she likes : it 's all between the two. 
Barh. Yes, but you 're not my lover, Messer Griac'mo. 
Giac. A'n't I ! I have been any time six months. 

I '11 prove it, an' thou 'It let me. [arm ahout her. 

Barh. Get away ! 

You 're a Messere ; and you make such love 

As I don't want. Besides, I don't love you. 
Giac. Bah, now, that 's cruel ! — Did G-asparo Beccari 

Offer to save thy master, for the hand 

Of Monna Angelica ? I don't believe it ! Thou hast 

Misheard ; this pretty ear 's too small, [toying with it, 
Barh. Let it alone ! it serves me well enough. 

Didn't I hear him offer at her feet 

To lay his fortune, if she would lift it up, 

And him with it ? 

Giac. That was pretty. And what said she ? 



ACT ni. sc. 3. 335 



Barh, Said ? We are Montanini. [affecting grandeur. 

Take up, slie, 
A butcher's son, although he be a Signor ! 
She walk'd away — we both of us walk'd away, 
And bade him find the door out for himself. 
There now. But — [looMng off^ to the left. 

go away, you devil ! — go ! — 
I must for my water. [Goes up ta the fountain. 

GriACOMO turns off at the right, exclaiming exultingly, hut 
in a smothered voice, and with clenched hand, 

Oiac. Aha ! I have thee now ! 

[Exit Giac, — while 

Miter J simultaneously, from the left, 
Antonello. 

Anton, [jerking Barh. hy the elbow, while she affects to he husy 
dipping. 
Was n't that Messer G-radenata, with thee ? 
Barh. [without turning, 

ISTo, saucy I Say it was, what 's that to thee ? 
Anton. Much, if thou please ; as little, an' thou like. 
Barh, [raising her pitcher to her head. He does not offer to 
help her. 
I suppose I may speak to just what folk I choose. 
Anton. All 's one to Antonello ! [walking off whistling. 

^ Only then 



336 THE MONTANINI 



Thou sha'n't choose me. I should n't Uke my wife 

To pick up such wild gentlemen, that 's all. 
Barb, [who has come forward — 

setting down the pitcher and crying. 

dear ! dear ! And never offer'd either 

To lift for me my hrocca. 
Anton, [who has come hack.] — Did n't know 

Thou need'st it — put it on thyself, and down, 

As if 't was easy. Barba ! Come, don't cry : 

Folks '11 be wondering. Kiss, and let 's forgive. 
Barh. I do not want to kiss and to forgive. 

There 's plenty of men to kiss without forgiving. 

Let me go, ItTello : Monna G-elica 's gone 

Alone to the prison : I must go after her : 

'T is time I went. 

Anton. A kiss won't take much time. 
Barb. I 've had enough of kissing. 

Anton. Hast thou so ? 

Your humble servant. Donna G-radenata ! 

Monna Cornelia gets no news to-day. [Exit. 
Barb, [looks after him a moment in surprise^ drying her tears. 
Then calling. 

JSTello ! — Anto ! — No, I won't, won't call him ! 

He ought to know I love him, and don't love 

That saucy gentleman. But I '11 plague his heart out ! 

It 's a pretty thing a body can't have eyes 

And use them handsomely, without being huflf'd ! 

Won't he come back ? [looking anxiously to the left, 

dearl dear ! I '11 go 



ACT III. sc. 4. 337 



Straight home and cry them out. I — No, I won't ! 
He sha'n't see that I mind him, if I burst. 

Takes up the vessel again and Exit^ looking 
hack and wiping her eyes. 



Scene TV, 

The Prison, 

Carlo. Angelica. 

Carlo. And now, dear Angela, for this happy news. 

Angel Thou know'st I told thee of the hundred florins. — 

Carlo. Who can it be ? Bertuccio, after all ? 

Angel. I went to him. He color' d, but said nothing. 

And steadily refus'd to take them back. 

Last night I found two hundred more, which Grianni 

Had been seduc'd to receive as partial aid 

From friends unknown ('t was thus the message ran.) 

A lady closely veil'd, of noble form. 

And seeming young, and of most gentle speech, 

Deliver'd it, so he said. 
YoL. lY.— 15 



338 THE MONTANINI 



Carlo. Perhaps Eugiero, 
Bertuccio's son's, young wife. She 's of the blood, 
Thou knowest, of Sozzo Dei. 

Angel. It might well be : 
But Grianni's prying eyes had found her out. 
Some noble friend, more likely, of our cousin's, 
Whom he has chosen to mask his generous deed. 

Carlo. 'T was nobly done. I can forgive his fears. 

Angel. And now then, Carlo, thou canst leave this den. 
Take Ser Beccari's offer. For Bertuccio, 
We can repay him at our leisure. 

Carlo. How? 
By utter ruin. Angelica, hear me. No! 
I will not so abuse my sacred trust. 
When our dead parents left thee in my hands, 
My dearest treasure, as my only joy, 
They did not mean, our father could not think, 
I should so far forget my honor and them 
As for a selfish end, in any way, 
To lessen the slender means their woes had left 
To keep thee in the state where thou wast born. 
'T is little enough as 't is, Heaven knows, to save 
That sweet head from depression, and that heart 
From disappointment and the natural pang 
Of wounded pride. I will not make it less. 
Sell we the farm, the money paid the State, 
The palace must be set to public sale. 
Forc'd on the mart, 't is little it will bring. 
Bertuccio takes three hundred, and the rest 



ACT III. SC. 4. 339 



To what land will it bear us ? Stript of rank, 

An exile from thy father's home, reduc'd 
To a mere competence or vulgar toil, 

Is this the love I promised, this the care 

Our mother gave thee to ? Thou shalt not suffer, 

Angelica, for my fault. 

Angel, 'T is not thy fault ; 

'T is Heaven's high will. What matters where we dwell ? 

Art thou not with me ? Am I not with thee ? 

Come, Carlo ! come, my brother ! come, my love ! 

Is there a place beneath the broad blue Heaven 

Shall not be Paradise, so thou art there ? 

Is all Siena aught, while thou art here ? 
Carlo. my soul's life ! — But say not, Heaven's will : 

Heaven wills not crime. — I have not told thee. Pon- 
dering, 

In my lone hours, these twelve days' dismal past, 

It struck me that that bold bad man Beccari, 

Having set his heart upon our pretty farm, 

Plotted this charge, to force me to his terms. 

Why start'st thou, and turn'st pale ? So think'st thou too ? 

Speak, my heart's darling ! 

Angel. So I thought but then. 

I 

Carlo. What hast thou ? Thou castest down thine eyes. 

There is some secret cause why thou so think'st. 
Angel. Brother, I meant not to distress thee. Therefore only 

I would not speak. Be calm. The Ser Beccari 

Offer'd this day to give thee back to freedom 



340 THE MONTANINI 



So I would — yield to him my maiden hand. 

Carlo stands for a motnent as if thunderstruck — 

Angelica gazing on him silently with a 

look of awe. Then : 

Carlo. This passes all the woes that I have borne. 

Another, hut briefer pause. 

Lifting solemnly his hands :] 

Grod, who o'errulest all ! canst thou look down 
And see this villain triumph, and his victims, 
His innocent victims stretch their hands in vain ? 
He pauses again briefly^ looking earnestly on Ms 
sister. Then, solemnly, taking her hand * 

Angelica, thou canst not ask me now 

To traffic with that man on any terms ; 

Not did he offer me ten thousand down ! 

I am resolv'd. I will not sell the farm. 

It is my duty ; and for thy dear sake 

Gladly I render up a useless life. 

Thou 'It find with good Bertuccio an asylum. 

This he may yield thee easily without fear 

Of implication. Nor for aught beside 

Shalt thou be owing. The palace and the farm 

Will be for thee a dower 

Angel. Stop, Carlo, stop! 
Hast thou but thought of me, without thyself, 
As if I could be separated ? No ! 
If thou wilt die — I too am readv, I. 



ACT III. SC. 4. 341 



The axe indeed will not destroy my life ; 

But 

Carlo, [pressing her closely to his breast. 

Sister ! — dearest sister ! — Peace ! peace ! 
Do not speak thus! I yet will think of means. 
Yet there is hope ; yet, yet. Has not Bertuccio 
Provided secretly thus much ? Perchance 
He will advance the rest a similar way, 
And save that sacrifice, which for thy sake. 
Thine only, have I shunn'd. — Dry up thy tears — 

[kissing them from her eyes. 
Where now is Barbara ? The night comes on. 
Angel. I bade her come for me, and wait without. 
Carlo. Adieu, now. 

[He taps at the door, luhich is opened as before. 
Waits the girl there ? 

Jailer, [at the sill.] Yes, Messere. 
Angel, [emhracing Carlo passionately — and luith hrolten voice. 
Adieu, my brother ! — Wilt thou ? — 
Carlo, [kissing her on the forehead.] Yes, hope, hope. 

[Exit Angel, and door closes. 
Hope ? And when hope is gone, which now fast lessens, 
Like the red light of the descended sun. 
What then ? Shall I bring down that angel nature 
Unto a mean condition, to save a life 
Which has so little pleasure, and, her except, 
No real tie ? She will die with me ? So 
She firmly thinks ; but her high moral sense 
And trust in Grod assure her from self-murder, 



342 THE MONTANINI 



And the rack'd heart is tougher than she thinks. 
And better it is she should remember me 
With sorrQW and sad love, than see through me 
Her scanty means of life made scantier still 
To extend my weary being. Yes ! it shall cease. 
Forgive me, Heaven, the sin of this deceit ; 
The sole, I hope, has ever stain'd these lips ! 

He leans against the side-scene^ 
as if looking sadly on the fading twilight^ and 

Scene closes. 



ACT IV. SC. 1. 343 



Act the Fourth 

Scene I. As in Act I. Sc. 11. 

GriACOMo. Camilla. 

Giac. Thou hast the story now. Why art thou dumb ? 

Did I not tell thee, G-asparo would jilt thee ? 
Camil. [with deep expression. 

He has not done it, though. 

Giac. No, by St. Paul! 
And shall not ! I have that will bring him straight. 
Were he bent twice as crooked as he is. 
Camil. Thou ? What hast thou to do with it ? Mind thou, 
Wilt thou, thy own affairs. 

Giac. I have. Beccari, 
If he would make a fool of thee, has made 

A Hum ! — 

Camil. A rogue of thee, thou mean'st. 

Giac. Thou art, 
Deuse take thee ! a shrewd guesser ; but thy thoughts 
Gro not to the depth of this affair. 

Candl. What then 
Has G-asparo done to thee ? 

Giac. To me done nothiug — 
More than to thee ; he has made of me a fool. 



344 THE MONTANINI 



But through me has done — what, by St. Paul ! 

He shall undo, if it should cost me [checks himself. 

Camil. [after regarding him 

fixedly a moment'] Come ! 
G-iacomo dear, dost think Camilla blind, 
Because she can be dumb at times ? Thou 'rt seldom 

Cheerful or complaisant 

Giac. Don't mince it; say 
I am moody and harsh-spoken ; and I am. 

Grod knows I have cause ! My cursed luck What 

then? 
Camil, These three days past, thou hast been much more than 
moody, 
Savage in thy moroseness ; thy fierce eyes, 
Sullen and bloodshot, dart at times strange fire. 
And thy clench' d hands keep motion with thy lips. 
Which fold on one another as thy teeth 
Grnash in thy passion, and thy lowering brows 

Are knit together. Often too by night 

Giac. Wilt thou have done? curse on thee! Are my veins 
Swollen with water, that I should know thy wrongs, 
And feel I am too far bounden to Beccari 
To dare resent them ; am I less, I say. 
Or more than man that I should brook this insult, 
And not be tortur'd ? 

Carail. Am I less than woman, 
That I may not be trusted to avenge 
My own hurt pride ? If 't is not water swells 
Thy veins, good brother, mine are not of milk. 



ACT IV. sc. 1. 345 



The same blood boils beneath my softer skin 

As flushes thine ; and, credit me, my nerves 

Grive quite as keen perception. So, T say, 

'T is not alone my wrongs, but something more 

Eouses the tiger of thy savage mood. 

'' Done through thee ? — what he shall undo ? " 

What 's that ? 
Let the beast sleep again, or make me know, 
Who was whelp' d with thee, what the blood thou snuff 'st 
In the tainted air ? 

Giac. [with his usual scoffing laugh. 

Thy metaphors are choice. 
It is the tiger, is it not, that lurks 
For innocent blood ? Curse on the knave Eeccari ! 
He takes a step or two, to and fro^ 
Camilla watching him steadily from under her brows. 
1 '11 tell thee thus much. Messer Proven zano 
Salvani, who, some fifty years ago, 
Was Grovernor in Siena, ana himself 
Did much what Messer G-asparo Beccari 
As a ninth part of the government now would do, 
Being told by the Devil his head should be the highest 
Of all the host at the battle of Yaldelsa, 

Thought he should conquer, and Thou hast heard 

the tale. 
Camil, The Florentines cut off his head and bore it 

On a lance's point over all the field.^^ What next ? 
Giac. Where is thy ''keen perception ? " 'T is the Devil 

Dupes the ninth fraction of the government now. 

15* 



346 THE MONTANINI 



• He may give his head for another's : that is all. 
Camil. Thou hast said enough to damn thee, brother Griacomo, 
Say'st thou not more. Say on. 

Giac, Could I but trust thee ! 
! it were such relief to uncloak this secret 
Which gnaws into my vitals ! to obtain 
The assistance of thy cunning to o'erreach him, 
And save the innocent blood ! 

Camil, The innocent blood ? 
Has he then tempted thee to do a murder ? 
Or does it through thee ? 



'fe^ 



GriACOMO walks apart^ with signs of violent emotion, 

— But it is thy secret. 
Thou need'st not tell it. I have heard enough.* 

Only [affecting to go. 

Giac. 'T is better to tell all, or none : 
This thou wouldst say. 'T is right. Camilla, stop ! 
Time presses : what I would do, must be done 
On the instant. [Pauses and grasps her hand. 
Messer Carlo Montanino 

GiACOMO stops. Camilla, gazing a moment on 

his working features^ suddenly flings off his 

hand with hoj^ror. 

Camil. — This day must suffer on an unprov'd charge. 
I see it all ! Wast thou the accursed wretch 
That swore away his innocent life ? For what ? 
That from his ruin the fiend of Hell, Beccari, 



ACT IV. SC. 1. 347 



Might put another in thy sister's place ? 
Was it for money thou didst it ? Doubly Judas I 
Gro buy a cord, and hang thyself: thou art not 
Fit to live. [ Goes up the stage towards the door. 

Giac. CamiUa ! — Woman ! — Stop ! "" 
Think'st thou to carry it thus ? My heart 's as strong, 
Or stronger than thy own ; my will shall be 
Quite as imperious, if thou mak'st me use 
The rights I have by nature and by justice. 
Justice, I say. What I darest thou to believe 
I sold the Montanino's blood ? First, hear me ; 
Then play the tyrant. The hell-knave, Beccari, 
-Made me to think it was but Carlo's farm 
He coveted, and, pandering to my wants, 
Craftily brib'd me to that step should force him 
To sell 't. I had no thought — thou shalt not think it I 
To put his life in peril And now I go 
To save it at the peril of my own. 

Camil. Stop thou in turn. This is all true ? 

Giac. By Heaven ! 
Tak'st thou me for a villain unredeem'd, 
Like thy damn'd suitor, because I have given my soul 
To the hell-lust of gaming? TIiou shalt see. 

[again turning to go. 

Camil: What wilt thou do ? 

Giac. G-o straightway to the tempter, 
And force Jiim on the instant pay the fine, 
Or at once hand him over, and myself, 
To the tribunal. 



348 THE MONTANINI 



Camil. And thus ruin both. — 
What dost thou owe him ? 

Giac. Five hundred florins. 

Camil. The wretch I 
He had set his heart indeed upon 't, to brib-e 
So largely. 

Giac. 'T is my debt entire. 

Camil. No matter 
How vilely 't was incurr'd, thou ow'st it ; he 
His hand to me. Accuse him, and thou losest 

Thy sister's husband, and thyself must pay 

How wilt thou pay it ? 

Giax^. devil ! there 's the chain 
Has bound me to his enginery ! 

Camil. I '11 file it, 
And with the servant set the victim free. 
Giac. Servant ? Thou 'rt bitter ! Let it pass. But him ! 
How wilt thou do it ? 

Camil. Leave that to me. Enough, 
Thou hast my word. I '11 do it. 

Giac. But on the instant! 

Groes the sun down, the penalty unpaid 

There 's but an hour now left ! 

Camil. It is enough : 
G-asparo will be here within ten minutes. 
Giac. And thou wilt save young Montanino ? Swear it ! 
Camil. I swear it by high Heaven! He shall not die. 
Giac» [exultingly. 

He shall not die ! — But work thou well, and quickly. 



ACT lY. SC. 1. 349 



1 go to the Place, to wait the fatal hour. 

If the bell toll and Carlo be led forth, 

I '11 shout my guilt in public, and the axe. 

If fall it must, shall fall on me, not him. 
CaTYiil. It shall not need : nor his blood, nor thy own 

Shall fleck the sand. I swear it ! Gro in peace. 
Giac. what a load is off my breast ! I breathe. 

I do not smell of blood now. Let me hug thee. 

'T is the first time I 've done it since I \vas man. 

He shall not die ! Thou 'It save him ! Thou wilt save him 1 

[Exit Giac, 

Camilla looks after him thoughtfully a moment^ then, 
loith hrows Jcnitted and hands clenched: 

Camil. Yes, I will save him. But not as thou dost think. 
I '11 save him by the law. This villain G-asparo 
Shall not wrong me. — My brother is involv'd. 
What then ? Shall I be balk'd of my revenge ? 
Shall Justice too be thwarted in her right 
Because of kin ? He has sown : so let him reap. 
It shall avail to mitigate his punishment 
That he has sought to. save the Montanino, 
And had no thought to bring him unto death. 

[ Goes rapidly up to the door^ 

and Scene closes. 



350 THE MONTANINI. 



Scene II. 

In the Palazzo Salimbeni. 
Ippolito's Cabinet, 

Ippolito hefore a table on which stands a 

casket, apparently of oak, richly 

carved in half -relief 

Ippol. The hour approaches. There is left no time 
To think what should be, or of other plans 
Might stead him better, were there only time 
To shape and weigh them. It is wondrous strange 
Angelica's brother should set less by life 
Than fortune. Young, and capable, with life, 

He might redeem it ; but Why ! none but fools, 

Grown desperate, fling away both end and means, 

And, in a sort of childish spite with fortune, 

Will none of life because they cannot hold it 

On their own terms ! He is no wayward child, 

No moody lack-brain. They who know him best 

Make him high-minded, resolute, severe. 

With an exalted fancy that exaggerates 

The claims of love and duty, and a sense 

Of honor like a Eoman's of old time. 

Ere Rome was yet an Emperor's or a Pope's. 

He has some serious aim. His known devotion 

To his young sister, — and even for that my heart, 

For that, yearns towards him Ay ! it must be so I 



ACT lY. SC. 2. 351 



He means upon the altar of his love 

To offer his young life ! Thou self-bound Isaac ! 

There shall not want a ram to take thy place ! 

These idle ducats 

About to open the casket^ pauses^ and 
turns round again. 
But what will he think ? 
What will the world think ? Think I mean to shame him. 
Bound with the fetters of a twofold debt^ 
Of money and life, to his ancestral foe. 

Or haply No ! that were a villain's thought, 

Not Montanino's. No ! Think what he will, 
He shall not think me heartless, as his friends 
And mother's kin have prov'd. And thou, Angelica! 



Unlocks and proceeds to open the casket 
as Scene closes. 



352 THE MONTANINI 

Scene III. 

The Prison. 

Carlo. Angelica. 
Barbara near the door. 

Angel. No hope ! no hope ! The hour draws nigh I My brother ! 

My brother, on my knees, [kneeling and embracing his knees. 

I pray have pity, 

Have pity on thyself ahke and me. 
Carlo, [endeavoring to raise her. 

It is, AngeHca, that I have pity, 

Have pity on myself alike and thee, 

I am thus stubborn. J¥ouldst thou have me live 

To see thee less than Nature made thee be, 

And Heaven ordain' d ? 

Angel. I never shall be less. 

Be v^hat I may, than Heaven did ordain. 

Has thou not heard, that to the fleeceless lamb 

The v^ind is temper' d ? 

Carlo. But the shepherd sees 

A murrain thin his flock, nor does the wolf 

Flesh his sharp tooth the less because his prey 

Is undefended. In Bertuccio's fold, 

Thy guarded fleece will keep its silky flocks 

Safe from the wayside briers of the world. 

Rise up, fair lamb. 



ACT lY. SC. 3. 353 



Angel. No ; here I rest. Is this, 
Carlo, is this thy promise ? Thou didst say 
Thou 'dst think of other means. Thou bad'st me hope. 
Thou mad'st me think thou 'dst seek for other aid 
From good Bertuccio. But for this, myself, 
Myself had sought it, begg'd it on my knees. 
Carlo. And begg'd in vain. 

Angel. As I do now — for mercy ; 
For .mercy, cruel Carlo, for myself, 
From thee, my only brother, who I thought 
Once lov'd me only. 

Carlo. Once ? Once lov'd thee ? Once ? 
Is my blood — must I say it ? — which I pour 

Freely never pagan priest yet pour'd 

From the bound victim's veins a freer stream. 
Than that I scatter gladly from my own 

For thy sole sake ! 

Angel. It is not thy own blood; 
It is our father's. In thy single stem 
Flows all the sap of our three-hundred years. 
What right hast thou to let it out at once, 
.And raze the Montanino to the ground? 
Last scion of the parent tree, scand up. 
And wave thy yet green boughs, and blossom still, 
As Grod commands ! 

Carlo. Angelica ! cease ! cease ! 
Make not what I deem'd virtue seem a crime : 
Call not our father's spirit to the block ; 
Name me not parricide of all my race. 



354 THE MONTANINl 



Thou art my sister, and shouldst smooth that way 
I thought to tread so Hghtly, and must tread. 
'T is now too late. See there ! {^pointing off the scene as to 

the setting sun. 
Angel. 'T is not too late ! [start- 
ing to her feet. 
Let me go, brother ! Do not hold me ! 

Carlo. Gro? 

Whither? Before thou reach Suddenly^ Yes, go; 

go quickly. [kissing her passionately, and straining 

her in his emhrace. 
Angel, [takes hoth his hands in hers, and looking him steadily 
in the face, and with soleranity. 
Carlo^ my brother, thou hast deceiv'd me once : 
'T was the sole falsehood ever stain'd thy lips. 
Thou mean'st to spare me now the final pang. 
And have no parting. Is it so ? . 

The holts of the door are heard to he withdrawn. 

What 's that ? [wildly. 
They are come ! they are come to fetch thee ! my Grod ! 
hanging on him with hoth arms — hut her eyes 
straining fixed upon the door, 

which opens, and 

Enter, unattended, the Captain of the Quard, 

Barbara comes forward. . 

Capt. It is my happiness to inform Messere, 
The penalty is paid, and he is free. 



ACT lY. SC. 3. 355 



Angelica, relaxing her hold, 
falls without a sound into the arms of Barbara. 
Carlo. By whom ? Who is it ? 

Capt I know not. This is all. 

[pointing to the warrant 
which he holds open. 

Carlo. Bertuccio ! How shall we ? Angelica ! [turning 

rapidly. 
Hear'st thou ? 
Capt. Messer', she has fainted from excess of joy. 

Carlo takes Angelica in his arms. 

Barbara goes hastily to a water-jug which stands on a tahle in 

the hacJcgroundj and is seen coming forward with it, — 

the Jailer advancing a step into the cell, and the Captain 

standing hy Angelica's feet with a look of respectful 

sympathy, — as 

the Drop falls. 



356 THE MONTANINI 



Act the Fifth 
Scene I. As in Act I. Scene IV. 

Carlo. Angelica. 

Barbara — in the act of leaving : 

Angelica looking towards lier^ as waiting her departure ; 

Carlo, with arms folded and, eyes on the ground. — Exit Barbara. 

Angel. And now, m j brother. [ Carlo takes her hand and gazes 
earnestly and mournfully in her face. 
But thou seem'st not glad. 
Carlo, [after a momenVs silence — still gazing on her. 

No, I am sore oppress' d. Though free, I am bound ; 
Bounden forever, save thou loose the chain . 
Angel. What canst thou mean ? How deadly pale thou look'st ! 
Carlo. It is my desperate purpose makes me pale. 

And the long pang it cost me to resolve. 
Angel. I heard thee pace thy chamber to and fro, 

And wonder' d. Carlo, what should make thee linger, 
Knowing my longing to receive thy news. 

Carlo. And when thou hear'st it ! 

[He pauses and again looks her gravely in the face. 
Angel. Hast thou seen him ? * 

Carlo. Whom? 
Angel. Our cousin, surely. Was 't not Arrigucci 



ACT Y. sc. 1. 357 



Thou went'st to see ? ttiy saviour, Carlo — mine ? 
Carlo. Would that he were ! I were then less perplex'd. 
I saw him not. There was no need. Last night, 
When Arrigucci came not, though I felt 
'T was modesty perhaps that kept him back 
When others wish'd me joy, who was the source 
Of our great happiness, or fear again 
To be committed with the tyrannous Xine, 
Yet — thou hast heard me say — my mind misgave me, 
And better seem'd it me to wait till morn. 
Till the fisc open'd, to learn who really was 
My generous liberator. — 

Angel. [wJio has listened full of wonderment^ 
noio eagerly. 

And thou hast learn'd ? 
Carlo, {his eyes still fixed on Angel, 

The Chancellor told me Salimbene's self, 

Ippolito Salimbene paid the fine. 

With his own hand. Why how thou pal'st, my sister I 

And now, thy face is burning ! while thine eyes 

Grleam satisfaction through their tears ! 

[Angel, throws herself on his neck and hides her confusion. 

Is 't so ? 
Wouldst thou then rather it were Salimbene 
Than Arrigucci ? 

Angel, [lifting her head instantly, 
No, no, Carlo, no ! 
Rather 't were almost any one than he. 
Carlo. And so would I. 



358 THE MONTANINI 



Angel. Yet 't was a noble act. 
Carlo. Ay, truly so ! My enemy did for me 

What none of my friends would do; the heir of those 

Who spent my father's race, lifts up from death 

The last male scion of that hated stock. 

Which, dead in me, would never more put forth 

Or fruit or flower to bear the hostile name. 

'T would wash him snow-white, were he spotted o'er 

With twice two centuries of my foresires' blood ! 

[Angel, looks admiringly through her tears. 
How well that dew becomes thee ! Dry it not ; 
Such Heaven sprinkles on its angels' eyes 
When they applaud in silence good men's deeds ; 
And such is Salimbene. my sister ! 
I fear thou wilt shed other tears anon, 
Bitter as these are sweet. 

Angel. What 's on thy heart? 
Carlo, The weight of obligation, which makes dull 
Its glad pulsations. How shall we repay him ? 
Angel. With our life's service. 

Carlo. Even so I mean : 
And that in earnest, \_with same expression — regarding 

her fixedly. 
Art thou then prepar'd 
To be his servitor, as I shall be ? 
Angel. What means that emphasis ? Why that fixed look ? 
Speak out thy purpose, brother. 

Carlo. Salimbene 
Loves thee, my sister. — Over all thy face 



ACT V. sc. 1. 359 



The rose supplants the lily. 'T is the hue 
Not of displeasure, Angela; and my heart 
Trembles to feel the sacrifice it makes 
May be to thee too easy. 

Angel. What is that ? 
Why shouldst thou think that Salimbene - 



[emharrassed.'] Why, 
Why with imputed selfishness of thought 
Stain his brave action ? 

Carlo. 'T is not to be selfish 
To owe the impulsion to a generous deed 
To some deep-cherish'd feeling. No base love 
Prompts to great action, and an enemy's life 
Sav'd to win favor in the sister's heart 
Is still high inspiration. Salimbene 
Loves thee, Angelica, and for thee alone 
Has done thus bravely. 'T is with thee alone 
I can repay him. 

Angel. Carlo ! — Dost thou think ? — 



Carlo. Of the wide gulf which Fortune spreads between 
Our state and his ? I do. But for that gulf 
I were not now his debtor for my life. 
Well do I know 't is not for me to offer 
What, were we even equals, he should beg. 
'T is not thy hand, my sister. Said I not 
We are his slaves ? And slaves are handed over ' 
Without condition. * 

Angel. Speak not so dejectly. 
And speak less darkly, brother. I but feel 



360 THE MONTANINI 



Thou hast some solemn purpose, whose sad thought 
I read in thy pale visage and chang'd eye, 
But cannot give it shape. 

Carlo. I would thou couldst I 
So were I spar'd some anguish. 

Angel. my heart ! 
What canst thou mean then ? 

Carlo, Part we with our all, 
Thou wouldst be there wherefrom to rescue thee 
I would have given my life, would give it still. 
But, could I do this, should I have the right. 
For Salimbene's sake ? 

Angel No, Carlo, no! 
'T would seem like flinging back the hand he tenders 
In amity, it may be in atonement 
Of our ancestral wrongs. 

Carlo. I think not so : 
The wrong was what our sires had done to his, 
Had they been strong enough. Still, thus to act 
Would seem indeed like o'erstrain'd pride, or rancor. 
We cannot so repay him. I must give 
That which alone he co\ ets, my sole treasure. 
It is thyself, my sister, and, alas ! 
Without condition. 

Angel. Thou dost mean ? 

Carlo His slave. 
To make my sister too his handmaid. 

Angel. Never! 
'T is not my brother ! not my father's son! 



ACT V. SC. 1. 361 



Not Carlo Montanino, speaks ! 

Carlo, [mournfully] Angelica, 

Look on me. Need I ? 

Angel. \wTio has gone from Mm a step 

indignantly J returning and throwing herself 

weeping^ on his neck. 

No ! remind me not ! 

Thou wouldst have given thy life for me. And now, 

Wouldst thou make vile and cast away forever 

What was so precious ? Sorrow, and anxious thought, 

And prison-solitude, have made thee wild. 

Thou wilt sleep over this, and waken calmer. 

Carlo. I have slept over it, and I am calm. — 

Listen, my sister, — precious to me now 

More than thou ever wast, if love like mine 

Admit of increase. We had thought it much, 

Had Arrigucci privily lent us aid. 

But Salimbene, openly and bravely 

Like a true man, and in the cause of right, 

Exerts his sympathy, and defies the Nine, 

Scorning their verdict. We had ow'd him much, 

Had he through others but spent on us that sum. 

But thus to take me boldly by the hand 

As though I were a brother, to lifl me up 

When others durst not look on me, to give me 

The life that but for him were gone forever, 

This noble friend, this more to me than brother, 

This re-creator, what then shall repay him ? 

A72^eZ. Carlo! my brother! 
Vol. IY.— 16 



362 THE MONTANINI 



Carlo, — ISTot my life alone. 
That were not to give, all I have, not give 
What is most precious in his eyes, and mine. 
But if I bid him take that for vrhich only 

Life to me is w^orth living 

Angel. Brother ! brother ! 
Son of my father ! who art in his place, — 
[sinhing on her knees hefore him. 
Grive not to infamy thy orphan charge ! 
Sell all thou hast^ let us be poor and outcast. 
I can even serve, if needful ; but not here — 
ISTot him — not Salimbene ! 

Carlo. Be 't as thou wilt. 
One way remains: it cancels not our debts, 
But makes us not to feel them. Else, my sister. 

[endeavoring to raise her. 
Angel. Carlo ! wouldst break my heart ? 

Carlo. Oh Salimbene ! 
Hadst thou but loiter'd in th}^ work of love 
All were now over, by a death that seem'd 
Noble as martyrdom ! but now no thought 
Of sacrifice for duty lifts the soul. 
And death's sharp agony will have tenfold horror 
In that 'tis but the severance from shame ! 
AngelK Death ! And is that thy meaning ? 

(^arlo. And what else 
Will lift from me the load I cannot bear ? 
Angel, [rising ^uichly. 

Then let us die together. Better thus 



ACT V. sc. 1. 363 



Than live the death of infamy. Sahmbene, 
Bequeath' d our heritage, will be more than paid. 

Carlo. Of infamy, sister ? Hast thou then behev'd 

That such I offer'd? I ? to thee? Thou heard'st me : 

Never base love yet prompted generous deed ; 

And such was Salimbene's. When in anguish 

To be so fetter' d, knowing no escape 

Save death from obligation, the dread thought 

Flash' d like the thunder through my prison'd soul, 

To give for all he had given the all I had — 

All he could value, — when this lurid light 

Burst on the darkness of my spirit and shook me 

With fears that made my very flesh to creep 

'With a cold shivering, — though it show'd the way 

To instant freedom, I had shut my eyes 

Sitting still fetter' d, had not reason show'd 

My fears were idle, and call'd the warm glow back 

To my chill' d skin. It was a mortal ague, {shuddering. 

But it is over ; though I still am pale. 

Angel. Ay, deadly pale, my brother ; and should be. 
Fi on this madness ! It is such : no reason 
Counsels dishonor ; and that wholesome terror 
That made thy man's-pulse throb, and thy warm blood 
That is so valiant chilly, trust it ! 't was 
The appeal of Grod, thy conscience • trust it, Carlo I 

Carlo. Thou wilt not hear me. I would say : — I thought, 
And reason'd with my terror; and my blood 
Ean free again. For well I grew assur'd 
That Sahmbene would but do as I 



364 THE MONTANINI 



In a like case, and rather make addition 
Unto his noble act, than dim its splendor 
By even thought of evil. 

' Angel. Then to offer 
Were but deceit. Carlo, be thyself! 
Let not misfortune warp thy simple faith I 
Carlo. It has not, sister. When I give thee up, 
My sole possession that has any worth 
In Salimbene's eyes, my all in mine, 
The sacrifice is perfect and sincere. 
The sense that he will not misuse the gift, 
The knowledge that his nature cannot be 
Both mean and generous, noble and debas'd. 
Strip it of all its terror and half its pain, 
But leave the act still thorough. Thou art his 
Without condition, subject to his will. 
Angel, [once more falling at Ms feet. 

Thou wilt not do it ! Thou art still my brother I 
Thou wilt not soil our father's fame, and mine. 
say thou wilt not ! 

Carlo. E"ot in any way. 
Nor give thee up against thy will. Be tranquil : 
My debt shall rest unpaid. [Raises her. 

Angel. But then ? — But then ?— 

Thou dost not mean ? Thou wilt — do nothing des 

perate ? 
She holds both his hands in hers. — He releases one, 
and lays it on her shoulder. 
Carlo. Angelica, were my simple service, vow'd 



ACT V. sc. 1. 365 



For life to mj life's creditor, enough, 
Or could I earn by any kind of work 
Sufficient to repay him, it were well. 
But there is no resource for me in toil, 
And my sole servitude would be disclaim' d. 
And, offer' d solely, seem a mere pretence. 
So certain its rejection. Shall I then 
Skulk in the noontide by my enemy's door. 
Or cower when we meet, his hopeless debtor ? 
My days are melancholy now enough. 
With even thy sunshine over me ; but then ! 
In the bleak shadow of a fix'd despair. 
Dead to myself and thee ! I should go mad. 
Would that the axe had fallen in time ! 

Angel. Hush ! hush ! 
Thou wouldst have given thy life for me : not now 
Through me shall that dear life be darken' d over. 
By even a passing shadow of despair. 
With Heaven to aid me, I will do thy bidding. 

Carlo. No, no, not mine ! not mine ! Do thy own will. 

Angel. And that shall be thy bidding, — ever. Carlo. 
Is sacrifice for thee alone ? Shall I 
Not there too be thy sister ? That poor station 
Thou wouldst have steadied with thy corpse, I now, 
To keep thee living, step from, and — Oh Grod ! 
Must it so be, will peril even maiden fame. 

Carlo. Think not so meanly of our generous saviour. 
Thou wilt see, Angela, all will yet be well. 

Angel. I hope so : yet I fear. Should he — abuse 



366 THE MONTANINI 



The gift which Hark ! I will not live. 

Carlo. Nor I. 
We both will go down to our father's tomb. 
And better so, if Salimbene's soul 
Can so defile itself: this world is then 
Not worth the living in, and thou and I 
Were better out of.it. — But think on this. 
To-morrow — — 

Angel. ISTo, no ! take me now, at once. 
Give not a moment! for — I dare not think. 

Falls on Ms neck. He presses her soothingly to his breast. 

Scene closes. 



Scene II. 
Same as in Act II. Scene I, 

Ippolito. Cornelia. Domicilla. 

Domicil. Well, I 'm iiot sorry — nay, I am heartily glad 
The young man is at large. It had been cruel 
To cut his head off for so small a crime ; 



ACT V. SC. 2. S67 



Although, the Montanino is no friend 

Of ours . 

Ijppol. But may be soon. {Looking significantly at 

Cornelia. 
Domicil. Why, how thou talk'st ! 

In my day But I should be glad to know 

Who paid that fine. 'T is very odd ! That ISTello, 
I'm sure, knows more than he cares tell. " A noble 

And brave cavalier " ireflectingly.] 'No doubt ! He must 

Have been a bold one. [ Cornelia looks attentively at 

Ippol., ivho smiles. 
But 't is surely odd 
His name should not be known. I '11 have the rogue 
Come up again. 

Ippol. [stopping her as she turns ^ apparently to 
touch a handbell. 
Nay, aunt, 't is not worth while : 
It all must soon be out. And here, in fact, 
Comes the rogue's self. 



Enter Antonello. 



Domicil. Now, Nello 

Anton. Pardon, madam 
[then turning directly to Ippol, 
Ser Carlo Montanino with a lady 
Waits in the hall, and humbly craveth audience 
Alone of the Messere. 



368 THE MONTANINl 



Ippol. [with agitation.] With a lady ? 
Domicil. [who has heen dumb with amazement. 
The Montanino in my father's halls ! 
And humbly craves ! Thou wilt not surely see him ? 
Ippol. Why not ? 

Domicil. Alone? 

Ippol. No, with 'a lady. Aunt, 
Thee and Cornelia I must pray retire. — 
To Nello.] Say to the noble gentleman, myself 
Will wait on him immediately. [Exit Anton. 
Domicil. [retiring.'] What next ? 
The Montanino sues the Salimbene ! 
In his own hall ! and humbly ! Times are changed. 
Heaven keep us ! Come, Cornelia. [Exit. 

Cornel, [putting her hand in her 'brother'' s with 

an admiring and affectionate look. 
Dear Ippol'to I 
It was then thou? 

Ippol. [smiling.] Didst thou not show the way ? 

Exit Cornelia after Domicilla, 

while Ippolito turns to the other side of the scene, 

but hesitating as he is about to leave. 

A lady ! — Angel' ? Too late ! [Stands aside, 

bowing profoundly, as 

Enter Carlo, leading Angelica veiled. 

Carlo, ivho is deadly pale, 

returning the salutation with an air of deep submission, 

speaks with a melancholy yet dignified humility. 



ACT V. SC. 2. 369 



Carlo. Messere, pardon. 
It was not meet that you, who are henceforth 
My lord forever, should descend to me, 
Your servant. I have therefore rather chosen 
To venture uninvited to your presence. — 

Ippol. Messer', the honor that you do this i:"0©f 

Carlo. My lord, pray pardon me again. Such terms 

Are not for you to me. What you have done 

Ippol. Ah, pardon me in turn. I have been bold ; 
But only as, I think, you would have been 
Under like circumstance : you must excuse me. 
Will you be seated ? 

Carlo. It is not fit for us. — 
Be not amaz'd, but hear me. What I owe 
I have no means to render, only one. 
You are the master of my life ; I am 
The humblest of your bondsmen, ready ever 
To do your sternest bidding without stop. 
But that is not enough. I have one gift 
You will more value. 

Angelica, who lias hitherto 

leaned drooping on her hrother^s right shoulder^ 

now grasps his arm in hoth her hands, 

her head hanging down over them^ 

and seems ready to sinJc. 

Could the Almighty Grod 

Of all this world but give me once the choice 
16* 



370 THE MONTANINI 



To be so blest as I have been in her, 

[freeing his right arm^ while raising her with the other^ 
he puts his right hand on her head. 
Or be the lord of all in proud Siena, 
I w6uld take poverty again and this 
His angel ; for she is my heart, my brain ; 
There is no other hke to her on earth. 
Yet, being such, I give her. She is yours. 

[He throws hack Angelica's veil. 
I need not sa}^ to you who are so noble. 
Be kind to her ; you will not use her ill. 
And now, permit me. [Putting out his hand to Ippolito^ 
while Angelica, unsupported sinks into a chair. 

Ippolito mistahing the action, 

and still in the extremity of surprise, mechanically 

extends his own, to meet his grasp. But Carlo, taking it 

hy the fingers respectfully, raises it, in the 

manner of an inferior and dependent, to his lips, and 

immediately, with the same melancholy humbleness, without 

looking at his sister, Exit. 

Angelica puts out one of her hands, 

as if to arrest him, then, recollecting herself, sinks 

hack in the chair, and covers her face luith 

both hands, weeping, while Ippolito stands coifounded 

before her. At length rousing himself. 

m 

Ippol. Lady, do not fear, [tremulously. 
I — go to bring those to you from whose lips 



ACT Y. SC. 2. 371 



You will more readily learn than mine, that here 
You have but to command. But first that homage, 
Your brother in my moment of surprise 
Made me receive, let me return to you. 
My heart goes with it. 

He kneels^ and luith reverence^ yet luith evident 
emotion^ raises her hand to his lips. 

Angel. Messere — believe ! 



{bursts into tears, 

Ippol. I do believe — I know — why you are here. 
The sacrifice is holy, is heroic, 
And lifts you higher, were there greater height, 
In my esteem. But that I deem it were 
To insult the helpless state wherein your brother 
- Through a too lofty spirit and pride has plac'd you, 
I would here tell you how I have long lov'd, 
Ador'd you. Only from the fear to offend 
Both you and him, have I not ventur'd ever 
More than an outward reverence — and perhaps 
The homage of my eyes. could I think ! 

She weepSj and does not withdravj her hand. 

Yes, yes, thou doubt'st me not ; thou knowest, thou feelest, 
Feel'st in thy own pure spirit, I could not dream 
To impose on thy position. Let me then, 
Ere come my aunt, and sister, who has known 
■ From the very first my love, and learn'd to love thee, 



372 THE MONTANINI 



Say all. Angelica ! at thy maiden feet 
Ippolito lays his fortune, honor, name. 
If thou disdain them not, say but one word, 
But one, and make them thine. 

Angel, [with mingled joy and ten- 
derness, as she hides her blushes on his shoulder, 
Ippolito ! — 

Scene closes. 



Scene III. and the Last. 
As in Act I. Scene I. 

Carlo 

seated at a table near the centre^ his face hidden in his 

hands, the fingers of which are buried in his hair. 

After some moments. 

Miter Barbara from the left. 

She moves a step or two towards him, then stoops 

a/nd curtsies several times, pausing a little after each inclination. 



ACT Y. SC. 3. 373 



She approaches then nearer^ so as to attract his attention^ 
and again curtsies — his hack being towards her. 

Carlo, [half turning his head^ then resuming his attitude. 
What want'st thou, girl ? 

Barh. Where is Madonna. Master? 
Carlo, [dropping his hands, hut without looking at her, 

and speaking slowly and with great mournfulness. 
Where ? — Where ? — I would I knew ! 

Barh. God, Messere ! 
Do not speak so ! you frighten me. 

Carlo. I meant not. 
Thy mistress is not here. Go seek her. [sadly, hut without 

harshness. 
Barh. Grianni 
Knows where she is, but will not tell me. 

Carlo. Grianni 
Knows nothing, more than I. He saw me lead her 

Out to the street, and whither. Where — and what 

Gro to thy chamber ; thou wilt know to-morrow. 
Gro to thy chamber, girl. 

Barbara is^ ahout to retire, hut stops suddenly hy the 

embrasure of a window in the left wing, and appears to look out^ 

Carlo, hearing her stop, turns round. 

Seriously, hut still without harshness. 

What mak'st thou there 
At the window, girl ? Didst thou not hear me ? GrO. 
Barb. Pardon, Messere ; there is something doing 



374 THE MONTANINI 



At the Palazzo Salimbeni yon. [looking eagerly again. 
Carlo, [springing up. 

Ah I Mercy, Grod ! — What seest thou ? 

Barh. People standing 
At the great gate. There 's something to come out. 
Carlo, [motionless in the centre — seemingly arrested by terror. 

And ? Look again, good Barba. Seem they sad ? 

Barh. 'NOj merry. Hear their murmurs ! Look, dear Master. 
Carlo. I cannot look. [Barh. gazing with increased earnestness. 
— What now? 

Barh. It is — Giesil ! 
Madonna's self! with Messer Salimbene! 
She looks so happy ! though her eyes are down — 
And blushes scarlet. Ond hand is in his, 
The other holds in hers Madonna IsTelia, 
And Monna Domicilla walks beside. 
Carlo clasps his hands in ecstasy^ hut 

stands as hefore. 
They 're coming hither ! How the people shout ! 
Now Monna Nelia whispers something low. 
Which makes Madonna smile, but blush still more ; 
And Messer Salimbene scatters gold, 
Which the rogues gather up, first shouting louder. 
They 're in ! 

She starts from the window^ and without regarding 
her master^ runs across the stage. 
— I knew ! I knew ! happy day ! 

[Exit at the right. 
Carlo, [who J tottering hacJcwardj has sunk into the chair. 



ACT Y. SC. 3. 3'75 



I thank Thee, Heaven ! And pardon me my doubts ! 
After a few Tnoments^ 
he appears to recover^ and resuming his wonted majesty of mien, 
moves slowly to the rjghtj ivhere j^'^^^sently 

Enter 

Angelica^ Ippolito, Cornelia, and Domicilla, 

bowed in by Gtianni, and followed by Barbara. 

Angelica rushes into Carlo's arms. 

Angel. Brother! 

Carlo. My darhng ! and my hfe ! — Messere, 
I crave your pardon ; and yours, noble ladies, 
That I have made your vrelcome wait ; but joy 

In this recover' d treasure • 

Ippol. Which is mine. 
Kevoke not, Messer Carlo. What you gave 
I come now to accept, not to restore. 
For Carlo's sister is now Tppolito's bride. 

[raises Angelica's hand to his lips, ' 
Carlo. Noble Ippolito ! you have crush' d with debt 
Your poor but happy debtor. Half my gift 
Has Angela taken away, to give, herself. 
The other yet remains ; for I am still. 
As I shall ever be, your humblest bondsman, 
Keady to do your bidding as my lord. 

G-iANNi, in the background^ betrays consternation ^ 

and Barbara surprise. Domicilla gazes on Carlo with wonder 

and interest^ and Cornelia with admiration. 

Ippol. You hear him, all ? 



376 THE MONTANINI 



Gianni, [muttering.] His grandsire would havQ heard 
An earthquake sooner ; that is my idea. 
Domicil. And mine, old man. The times are sorely chang'd. 
Tppol. And thou shalt change too, Aunt. 

Carlo', [severely.] Be silent, G-ianni. 
The Salimbene's love would fill these walls. 
Though they were left still emptier than they are * 

By Montaninan hatred. 

Ippol. 'Nohly said! 
Is 't not, Cornelia ? [looking closely at his sister^ who has 

manifested some emotion. 
Carlo, thou hast said 
Thou 'It do my bidding. 

Carlo, [solemnly.] Truly, in all things. 
Ippol. Make suit then to my sister. Unto her 

I here transfer thy service. Canst thou win her. 
Thou 'It win what 's worth, the wearing, and render me, 
Doubly thy brother, lighter i' the conscience, 
As having made restitution for this treasure 
Whereof I 've robb'd thee, [drawing Angel, lightly to him. 
Carlo, [seizing his hand.] G-enerous Salimbene ! 
Domicil. Now Heaven help us ! 

Carlo, [turning to Cornelia with mod- 
esty^ yet with dignity. 
Lady, if such as I, 
A man so fallen in fortune and sad of heart. 
Venture to lift his thoughts to such as you. 
Whom under luckier stars he had been happy 
And proud to dare address, ascribe it kindly 



ACT V. SC. 3. 377 



Not to too forward a spirit, but duty vow'd 
To my life's master. 

Cornel, Sir, must I make answer ? 
I rate so high my brother's love for me, 
I cannot think he would have chosen else 
Than for my happiness ; and he whose Hfe 
Was freely olBfer'd for his sister's sake. 
And whom that sister better lov'd than fame, 
Lifts not his thoughts, but lowers, to such as I. — 
Ippol. \]ialf aside to Carlo. 
Is she not worthy ? 

Cornel, [continuing^ If my aunt approve 

Bomicil. That word redeems us all. In my day," maidens 

Ippol. Had hearts of just such pliant stuff as now ; 
And Monna Domicilla was but woo'd 
As Angela and Cornelia must be won. 
Domicil. Child, thou forgott'st me. 

Ippol, No, I but forestalled : 
I knew beforehand what thou wouldst approve. 
Domicil. \to Carlo.'] Sir, I am yet too much a Salimbene 
To say that I rejoice ; but this believe : 
I truly honor you, and one day may love. 
Ippol. [hugging Jier^ — she struggling in his arms, half pleased, 
half piqued. 
Why, that 's my aunt ! I said that thou wouldst change. 
Carlo, [kissing her hand.] Madonna, I shall strive to win your 
favor ; 
And hope to, will this lady teach me how. 
Ippol. [to Cornel. J as Carlo kisses her hand in turn. 



378 THE MONTANINI 



Cornelia's ring, thou seest, is soon reset. 
Cornel. With such another jewel as the first. 
Tppol. But burn'd a deeper sanguine in the fire 

Which has not tried the ruby of my love. 
Cornel. I '11 wear them, brother, both then, side by side. 
Ippol. First ask Angelica. Half my heart, I said. 

Was long since hers. 

Cornel. And half of Messer Carlo's 

Is still his sister's. Thus I have but one. 

And thou, Angelica, art not better off. 

These men are but half lover^. "^ 

Angel. But these brothers I 
Cornel. Ah ! ttiere, Angelica, both of us agree. 

We '11 keep each other's brother ; and they shall see 

Which half is better set, with thee or me. 

GriANNi, who has been curiously watching Cornelia^ and working 
himself more and more forward, now advancing to Carlo. 

Gianni. That is the lady. Master, I 'm a-thinking. 

That left the roll of florins at the gate. 

And the same too gave Barbara the hundred ; 

That 's my idea. 
Barb, [to Angel.] Madonna, pardon me. 

The secret now is told; but [to Cornel.] not through me. 
Carlo. And to our enemies we thus owe all ! 

lady, can my life, which you would ransom. 

And your brave brother, my true lord, has redeem' d, 

Ever repay these benefits from both ? 

So let me be indeed thy servitor, 



ACT Y. SC. 3. 379 



And all the idolatry I paid my sister 

Shall henceforth yield its worship at thy shrine. 

[kisses CorneVs hand with evident emotion, 
Domicil. [with tender reproach. 

Couldst thou not, niece, have let me share in this ? — 
Cornel. Dear aunt, I fear'd ■ — thou knowest, thy family 

views 

Domicil. Naughty Cornelia ! was I so mistrusted ? 
But I won't contradict : for, in my day, 
Such things were never thought of. Well ! I hope 
'T is for the better ; but It is true the times 
Are sadly chang'd. 

Ippol. No, gladly, say, my aunt. 
Domicil. Don't contradict me, dear my boy. 

Ippol. No, aunt: 
For here are foes no more to breed dispute. 
The Montanino-Sahmbene one, 
Thou shalt have care henceforth alone to see 
Times change indeed, but let them still agree. 

Barbara, 

who after her brief part in the colloquy has heen seen to 

go to the window^ and there respond hy sign to some signal from 

withoutj and then steal off from the scene^ now re-enters^ 

leading in Antonello. Both appear excited. 

Gianni, [shaking his head. 

Always with Antonello ! 

Carlo. What bring'st thou ? 
Barh. [joyously.] The sentence is revers'd ! Ask Nello, Master. 



380 THE MONTANINI 



Ippol. Speak. 

Anton, What she says is true. The Ser Beccari 
Is banish' d and his name struck from the rolls, 
For plotting against Messere Carlo's life. 
Carlo. Ah ! [looking at Angelica^ who turning pale presses closer 
to Ippolito. Domicilla and Cornelia evince as- 
tonishment^ — Cornelians not unmingled with 
indignation. 
Ippol. Speak from the beginning. How is this ? 
Anton. Ser G-iacomo G-radenata — whom I met 

One day with little Barba — - [darting a looh of sly malice 

at Barhara. 
Gianni. Ay, I 've seen her 
With Ser Beccari too. She 's much too easy, 
I 'm thinking, with such fellows : that 's my idea. 
Barh. But not affair. 

Angel. Peace, Barba ! 

Carlo. And thou, Gianni, 
Show more of reverence. 

m 

Ippol. And, good Nello, keep 
Thy feuds with Barbara for her private ear. 
Thou shalt have full occasion by and by. 
Proceed. 
Anton, [with more of his usual manner j and speaJcing with 
increasing rapidity as he goes on. 
Ser Giacomo, brib'd by the Beccari, 
Made the false charge, but, horrified to find 
A murder toward, told all unto his sister. 
Monna Camilla goes straightway to the Nine 



ACT V. SC. 3. 381 



Angel. His sister ! 

Ippol. And betroth'd to G-asparo's self! 
Barh. [significantly. 1 I think I know the motive. 

Carlo. Ah! The wretch! 

Angel. Thou shalt know all a fitter time. Ippolito. 
Anton. Yes, Barbara lent her motive to Ser Griac'mo. 
Gianni. She lends too many, I 'm thinking, to such gentry. 
Ipjpol. Let Barbara alone, my friends. What then ? 
Anton. Both of them banish'd from the State forever — 
Beccari's fortune confiscated — name 

Struck from the rolls — 

« 

Ippol. 'T is retribution just. 
Anton. The fine remitted — Messer Montanino 
Restor'd to all his honors. 

Carlo. And thus the weight 
Of seven hundred florins is off my heart. 
Its pulse may now beat freely to thy love, 
Noble Ippolito. 

Ijppol. With thy consent 
I '11 part the seven hundred twixt these three ; 
One half to honest Grianni, and one half 
To Nello and Barba, whom we will make one. 
Grianni. [shaking his head. 

Best make her one, I 'm thinking, with all mankind, 
'Barb. Now God forbid, were all like thee ! 

Carlo. Peace, girl ! 
And thou, old man, rein-in that petulant tongue. • 
Fit 't were you us'd it, thou and Barba both, 
In thanking that munificence which makes you 



382 THE MONTANINI 



Eich far beyond your sphere. 

Gianni. I am most thankful. 
But Messer Carlo, to your father's son 
I should not need to boast, who serv'd his sire, 
That Grianni, poor and old, takes never money 
Save from his master's hand. 

Carlo. Forgive me, G-ianni ; 
Porgive my chiding, — even for those words, 
Which show thy tongue takes counsel from thy heart 
As well as spleen. [He extends his hand to Gianni, who 

hisses it with tears. 
Ippol. Yet take it from my sister, 
Who will be soon thy mistress. 

Cornel. And who adds 
What she impos'd upon thee at the gate : 
For 't is thy due, yet scarcely thy desert ; — 
For where are honest pride and faith like thine ? 
Gianni, [much moved and kissing her hand. 
Madonna, I ne'er thought to live to see 
The Montanino and Salimbene join'd. 
And cry with joy at it. But I do. I 'm thinking. 
Heaven makes some curses blessings ; and old times 
Have chang'd now for the better ; that 's my idea. 

Antonello and Barbara likewise make their acknowl- 
edgments to Ippolito, in dumb show. 

Domicil: Mine, Grianni, too. Yet, dear me I in my day 

But never mind ! I will not change again. 
Tppol. Not with the times ? Nay, Aunt, play out the play. 



ACT Y. SC. 3. 383 



Domicil. Don't contradict, Ippol'to dear. I mean, 
The present happy truce I sha'n't gainsay. 

Ippol. Truce ? 'T is a peace : ^^ I 'm thinking," to remain, 
(As G-ianni says,) till doomsday. 

Domicil. And I say, 
Thereto, Amen ! my boy. 

Ippol, Is that the vein ? 
Why then the play is play'd, for good and all. 

Cornel, [in half-whisper. 

Be it. Yet, while Aunt Cilia is in train, 
'T were very well to let the Curtain fall. 



Curtain falls. 



NOTES 



TO 



THE MO^TAInTTI^I 



1. — P. 263. The MOjN'tanini.] Th^ «tory is founded on the 
XLIXth Novel of Bandello. 

2. — P. 264. Carlo di Tomm:aso Mo^ttantno.] That is, as sub- 
sequently shown (Act I. Sc. 1.), Carlo son of, etc. A mode of writmg 
the names of persons that was very common in all parts of Italy in 
the Middle Ages. 

*' Olim a Patris nomine, non Senis tantum, sed et in aUis Italiae 
Civitatibus, consuevere non pauci cognomentum sibi adsciscere. Hine 
audias Piero di Tegliaccio^ Francesco di Messer Va?ini, Cione di ^Vitel- 
ItLCcio, Neri di Guccio^ atque horum simiha ; hoc est, Petrum Tegliaccii 
filiumj Francesci Domini Vannis filium^ etc. Rursus in more fuit 
nomina quaedam contrahere, ac veluti dimidiata adhibere ; nam pro 
Alexandro aliquis appeUabatur Sandro^ pro Bartholommo Meo, pro 
Arriguccio. ut ego arbitror, Guccio^ pro Maphceo, sive Maffeo^ Feo^ 

pro Uguccione Cione Infra nobis occurrent Messer Sozzo 

Beij et Messer Deo Gucci, qui aUbi appeUatur Messer Deo di Messer 
Guccio. Eadem ratione in hisce regionibus nobiles Manfredorum, 
YoL. lY.— 17 



386 NOTES TO 



Piorum, Picorum, aliorumque familise, Patris nomen in suum cogno- 
mentum olim verterunt." Murator. In Chron. Senen. Andr, Dei 
'prcefat Rer. Ital. Script. T. xv. 

3. — P. 264. Salimbeni.] Pronounce the e as a in bane. It is 
one of those foreign names which cannot he anglicized without mar- 
ring it. So in the name Bertuccio Arrigucc% which will occur fre- 
quently in the play, sound the first of the two c's as ^ ; — toot'-tcheo, 
— goot'-tche. 

4. — P. 264. YoLPiciNA.] A character-name, the diminutive of 
volpe (she-fox). Pronounce, as«in Italian : Vohl-pe-tche' -nah. 

5. — P. 265. Ser Gasparo.] The prefix of courtesy and of rever- 
ence, /Sere or Ser, and, in its complete or composite form, Messere or 
Messer, had at this time been in vogue for only about forty years, if 
a note to that effect in Muratori is accepted, and was at first equiva- 
lent to Signore, Signor, being convertible in the Latin into Dominus. 
In a later age, Messere was confined to members of the bench, doctors, 
and priests, as we read in Yarchi. Compare note 12 to Bianca 
Capello. 

Muratori, or one of his co-workers, thinks that the word, in the 
form Missere^ came in with the study of the Provensal about the time 
of Dante's master, Ser Brunetto Latin i. Os. in his vol. above-cited, 
in coll. 145, 6, a note to the Sanesan Chronicle of Neri di Donato.^ 
Giovanni Villani however applies it to personages in periods long 

* still, I do not think that the example adduced by the commentator is con- 
clusive, namely, that in a letter of 1265 to one of the Tolomei is written, not 
a Messere Tolomeo^ but Domino Tolomeo. For as Domviun was the usual form 
in the Latin acts and records, etc., so it was very natural, especially in the mon- 
grel Italian employed in that very writing cited, the words should be interchanged. 
See extracts from certain notarial instruments in Notes 1 and 2, p. x. of the Elogio 
di G. V. T. viii. C'7'omca. ed. cit. 



THE montani:n7 387 



anterior to that epoch, as will be seen presently.* And in fact the 
reference to Ser Brunetto Latin! would itself put its introduction 
back at least a score of years before the period of 1280 assigned by 
the Itahan archaeologist, for Ser Brunetto is named by G-. Yillani 
among the G-uelfs who fled from Florence to Lucca in 1260 (T. ii. p. 
113, ed. infra cit) after the disastrous day of Montaperti This was 
five years before the date assigned to the birth of Dante, who ad- 
dresses his old master by that title in the Shades: '^ Siete voi qui, 
Ser Brunetto f " f where it is observable that the plural address of 
reverence, voi for tu, is employed. 

What the comment on the Sanesan Chronicle advances, that be- 
tween the word Messere and the simple Sere the same distinction 
obtains as was usual with Madonna and its contraction ATonna, — 
namely, that the briefer term was apphed to persons of a relatively 
inferior condition, j: as for example, in the case of Ser^ to notaries and 

* He goes back indeed as far as the year 1113, under which date, in his 4th 
Book (c. xxix.), he speaks of '■' Messer Euberto Tedesco, ricario dello 'mperadore 
Arrigo in Toscana." It is true, Yillani, who was contemporary with Dante, may- 
be supposed to confer the prefix after the fashion of his time. 

t Two other instances in Dante illustrate so fully the mode of using both forms 
as to be in themselves sufficient exemplification. In Fu7'gatorio xxir. we have 
Messer applied to the Cavalier Marchese, and in Paradiso^ at the close of the 
xiiith Cto., adopting a name (Martino) to indicate generally any class of illiterate 
men, he prefixes simple Ser^ making it correlative with Donna {3£onna^ hi modem 
edd. ) for the female : 

"Xon creda donna [monna] Berta e ser Martino," 
Here we see Monna apphed precisely as we do Madam and Mrs, 

X "Kon si pud negare, che neUa sua origine Sere sia I'istesso che Signore; ma 
h da osservarsi, che i nomi accorciati si davano a persone d'inf erior condizione, 
come h noto ne' titoli di Madonna e Monna. L'uno si dava alle Prencipesse ed 
anco a quelle Donne di NobUta assoluta ; e faltro aUe Donne Nobili, ma non di 
Condizione Principesca, e alle Donne popolari, ma che erano di Famighe risedute, 
restando I'altre senza titolo. . . Cosi h giustamente awenuto a' titoli di Missere 
6 di Sere. H primo si dava fra gU altri a' Giudici, e Dottori, e faltro a Xotai, che 
per lo piu sono al servigio de' medesimi." Loc. sup. cit. 

It is indeed a distinction reasonable and natural in itselEi that is, arising from 



388 I^OTES TO 



simple priests, to which two classes the annotator would appear to 
confine it, — is supported »by the usage of old writers. In the list 
of the embassy sent to the Emperor when at Pisa (March 1, 1355), 

we have the names thus set down : " Misser Guccio di 

Talomei, G-iovanni d'Agnolino Salimbeni, Misser Francesco di Misser 
Bino Giudice de gli Accarigi, Renaldo del Peccio, Davino di Memmo, 
Giovanni di Tura N'eri de' Montanini, Ser Mino di Meo Filippi loro 
Notajo." Own. San. c. 146. Tt is at this very passage that the 
comment I refer to is made, and it certainly of itself sets the matter 
in a very plain light. The fact too is confirmed by the instance of 
Brunette, who was a notary. In the 16th century the distinction 
continues to be very observable. Thus, while Yarchi the historian's 
father, who was an attorney, is styled simply Ser Giovanni, his son 
is dignified as Messer Benedetto, having been endowed by Duke 
Cosmo with a benefice in Mugello. In that historian's xvth Book 
(T. V. p. 349 ed. al. cit) we have this noticeable passage, which hap- 
pily exemplifies both subjects of the note : . . . " un ser Mariotto di 
ser Luca de' Primi d' Anghiari suo cancelliere " . . where cancelliere 
is evidently used for segretario, although in the acceptation of register 
of 'public acts it would put the person it indicates in the same class 
with the notary of those days. 

But the distinction, though I have thought it of sufficient interest 
to be noted for the student and the lover of accuracy, is of no conse- 
quence, even were it practicable, in a drama in English ; and that I 

the customs and thought-habits of men, all contractions in names or titles of ad- 
dress savoring of familiarity, sometimes that of affection or of popularity, or in- 
dicating a reverence or respect that is conceded rather than exacted. The Mrs. 
and McCain of the English, the MoCirCselle (f am. and vulg. ) of the French, the 
Cfsted of the Spanish, are all analogous corruptions ; arising from precisely similar 
causes, familiarity of intercourse, rapidity of utterance, and the desire to avoid a 
formality which by its frequent repetition becomes not only stiff but disagreeable. 
It is probable also that thence, and not, as "Webster is inclined to think, from the 
mfluence of some Northern language, the word Master in compellation took the 
dender sound of Mister. 



THE MONTANINI - 389 



have disregarded it in the present play, whose action is of 1322, can 
scarcely be held a license even by an Italian scholar, especially as 
there are authorities who would appear to justify the interchange,* 
and even Muratori himself acknowledges, what indeed requires 
no demonstration, that Sere was originally the same as Signore. A 
hke remark, so far as the unimportance of exactness in these 
particulars, in an English play, may be made as to the mode 
of placing the prefix, which, in both its forms, is never used 
(that I have yet seen) before the name proper, but occurs before 
the forename only, precisely as the Bon (Dominus) of the Spaniard, 
and the titular addi-ess and designation of a knight or a baronet 
in England, f 

6. — P. 269. — the dainty Three . . . my father'' s day Saw 
disinterred, etc.] I have forgotten my authority for this fact. But 
the foUowing passage, from a well-written guide-book of travel, ex- 
plains fully the text, if it is not indeed the very source to which 
perhaps I was indebted. 

"In the library [of the Duomo or Cathedral] is also preserved the exquisite 
antique group of the G-races in Greek marble, found under the foundations in the 
loth century. This group, on© of the finest knowTi examples of G-recian sculp- 
ture, was copied by Canova, and was so much admired by Raphael that he made 

* See in B. It. Sc. the note just cited. My disregard however of this distino 
tion, as weU as of the mode of employing it, arose probably from the incomplete- 
ness of my information at the time. Unimportant as I admit them to be in 
EngUsh, I should, I think, had I known better, have carefully observed both these 
niceties of ancient Italian usage, if only as a point of costume. A voluntary error 
of the sort would have been a deviation from truth. 

1 1 need hardly add that our Si7\ used in ordinaiy compeHation, is precisely 
the same word. "With us too, that is in Enghsh, it was anciently given as a title 
to priests. It is interesting to observe how in modem intercourse these distinc- 
tions become less and less certain and are finally wiped away, precisely as the 
plural style of address has almost excluded from ordinary x)onversa.tion the thou 
and tJiee which at one time indicated inferiority. 



390 NOTES TO 



a feketch of it, which is still preserved in the Academy of Venice. It is also sup- 
posed to have suggested the picture of the Graces by Raphael, formerly in Sir 
Thomas Lawrence's collection, and afterwards in that of the late Lord Dudley." 
Blewttt'S RandbooTc of Central Italy^ 2d ed. 1850. 

7. — P. 271. Wliat^ my fair VolsciaUj though not Dian's nymph.'] 
In allusion to the Camilla of Virgil. 

"Hos super advenit, Volsca de gente, Camilla.'" 

.^^n. vii. 803. ed. Hunter : Andf. 1799. 

" Est et, Yolscorum egregia de gente, Camilla, 
Agmen agens equitum et florentis aere catervas." XL 433. 

Her father had dedicated her when an infant to Diana, in the emer- 
gence recounted ih. 5o9, sqq. And the goddess, deploring the fate 
of the maiden queen, says there : 

" Vellem haud correpta fuisset 
Militia tali, conata lacessere Teucros : 
Cara mihi comitumque foret nunc una mearum." 

8. — P. 273. Thou ^dst like again to venture?] At this place was 
inserted in the copy the following stage-direction : The door above is 
seen to open a little way, and the face of Camilla appears in the open- 
ing. But in the original Ms., I find I had remarked in the margin : 
" Or without tins ; as it is more natural that the door should not be 
opened, and this indication to the spectators that the party is listen- 
ing is a commonplace stage-action. Camilla's words at the close of 
the Scene, and previously the noise she makes behind the door 
which startles G-aspar, are enough, and more refined, for the prirted 
drama at least." 

I am still of that opinion. But for the Stage, the by-play, though 
both unnatural an^ commonplace, is perhaps requisite, and certainly 
aids the intelligence of a mixed audience. I shall therefore indicate 



THE monta:n^ini 391 

here, in the Notes, the remaining directions that are omitted from the 
Scene. They number from this point, 8, to 1 3 inclusive. 

9. — P. 274. Camilla dravjs the door to again. 

10. — P. 274. Giacomo sits again sullenly. Beccari draws his 
chair closer to him — in so doing looks once more at the door, but it is 
not yet reopened. 

il. — P. 274. Camilla appears listening again. 

12. — P. 275. Camilla, from behind the door, shakes her finger 
at him. 

13. — P. 275. Camilla shakes h'ir fist at Giacomo, but in the move- 
ment makes a noise, and quickly closer the door, ere Beccari turning 
hastily can detect her. 

14. — P. 280. — bowing reverent-low . . . he yields the path, 
etc.] The streets of Siena are very narrow ; so that the courtesy 
was almost imperative. _ 

15.— P. 289. — the Arbia.] The littb stream which flows by 
Siena. 

16. — P. 289. - the she-iuof — ] The emblem of Siena, which 
is stuck up in various parts of the city, as the bear is in Bein. 

17. — P. 289. — the great Countess — ] Matilda of Tuscany 
the friend of Pope Hildebrand. 

18. — P. 289. — Sane'si — ] The Italian, or rather, Tuscan 
name for the people of Siena. 

The origin of the city is ascribed by Yillani to the old and invalided 
soldiers of Charles Martel, left by him in that locality in 670; 
whence its first name Sena (and in the pi., for the double strong- 



•892 NOTES TO 



hold, Senae\ " derivando di quelli che v' eraho rimasi per vec- 
diiezza '' Cron I. Ivi. p. 73 sq. t. 1, ed. cit. 

Tliis is contrary to the opinion generally entertained, which would 
put it so far back as the Senensis Golonia of Pliny. In the Handbook 
just cited, we are told : " Siena preserves, almost without change, the 
name of Sena Julia, and is supposed to have been a colony estab- 
lished by Julius Caesar " (meaning probably, in his time). 

19. — P. 291. Gelica — ] This abbreviation of names (here and 
elsewhere in the play) was the custom of the day, and is therefore 
characteristic of the period of the action. The familiar instance of 
the contemporary poet Dante will occur to the reader : Dante for 
Durante; as the lady he has immortalized by the complete name of 
Beatrice was commonly known as Bice. 

1 have touched lightly on this subject before, at p. 25*6 of this 
vol. Comp., above, Notes 2 and 5. In all the modern tongues, 
including our own, we are famihar with similar abbreviations. The 
difference is, that at the present day the contracted name is often 
vulgar, and always familiar, if not disrespectful; in those days it 
was of general usage, and conveyed no disparagement, and if not 
elegant yet did not savor of vulgarity. 

20, -P. 292. Plotting with Deo of the Tolomei, The lanisVd 
Guelfl\ He was, with Messer Sozzo Dei, one of the heads of the 
conspiracy which had terminated in their expulsion, and that of 
their confederates, three years previously. See G. Villanl. IX. 
xcvi. (t. iv. p. 95 ed. cit.) The influence of the Salimbeni, who in 
part were on the side of the existing government, and the readiness 
of the Tolomei, in their feud with that family, to make it an occa- 
sion of revolt, are seen in the same chapter. Further on in Book 
IX., the mutual enmity, and at the same time the power of these 
rival houses, find brief but sufficient illustration in the following 
passages: — "Nell' anno 1322, del mese d'Aprile, la citta di Siena 



THE moxta:n^ini 393 



fu a romore per cagione che quegli della casa de' Salimbeni uccisono 
una notte due fratelli carnali figiiuoli di cavaliere della casa de' 
Tolomevloro nemici, nelle loro case. Per la potenza delle dette 
due case i Sanesi quasi tutti parati per combattersi insieme, ec." 
cxlvii. p. 139 sq. " ^N'el detto anno [i:>26] . . . il duca di Cala- 
vra con sua baronia e cavalieri entro nella citta di Siena . . . 
Trovo la terra molto partita per la guerra cli' era intra 'Tolomei e' 
Salimbeni, che quasi tutti i cittadini cbi tenea coll' uno e cM coll' 
altro . . . e '1 duca cosi fece, cbe tra le due case Tolomei e 
Salimbeni fece fare triegua con soflficiente sicurta cinque anni" 

. . . ccclvi. p. 343 sq. 

In 1337, tbey made peace together at the command of the Pope. 
Cron. San R. I. S. xv. 96. 

21. — P. 292. Gonde-imi'd to pay^ etc.] This was a constant 
mode of punishment, presumably for the rich and powerful. Thus, 
in the year of our play, fifteen of the Tolomei were mulcted, three 
of them in a thousand florins each. Cron. San. u. c. 54. 

22. — P. 297. — who could lend the State, etc.] '' Incontanente 
si prowidono [i Sanesi e gli usciti ghibelhni] di moneta, e accattaro 
dalla compagnia de' Salimbeni, che allora erano mercatanti, ventimila 
fiorini d'oro, e puosono loro pegno la rocca a Tentennana, e piu altre 
castella del comune." G. Yill. VI. Ixxvi. (ed. cit. II. p. 104.) Cs. 
Note 24. 

23. — P. 309. The people do not like you any more Than do the 
nobles; etc.] 

" Era per lunghi tempi governato il reggimento della Citta di 
Siena per I or dine di Nove, il quale era ristretto in meno di novanta 
Cittadini, sotto certo industrioso inganno : pero che quando il 
tempo yeniva di fare i loro generali squittini, accio che ogni degno 
cittadino popolare entrasse neUo ordine de' Nove, colore che haveano 
gia usurpati gli Uficj si ragunavano segretamente in una Chiesa, e 
17* 



394 NOTES TO 



ivi disponeano di alcuni cui e' voleano che rimanessono nell' or- 
diue, fermaDdoli tra loro 'per saramento. E prometteano tutti dare 
a' detti le loro boci co' lupini neri. e tutti gli altri, che andavano 
alio squittino, eh' erano molti buoai e degni Cittadiai, gli riprovavano 
co' lupini bianchi, si che I'ordine non crescea piu che volessono : ne 
alcuno v'entrava che tra loro iti prima nou fosse diliberato : Per la 
qual cosa erano in odio a tutti gli altri popolani, e a grande parte 
de' nobili, con cui non s'intendeano. Eranvi certi, che manteneano 
questa citta, e guidavano il comune, come e' voleano." M. Yillani. 
IV. c. Ixi. in Rer. Ital. Script XIV. coll. 2tS sq. The historian 
goes on to show, how, with the desire to debase and disfranchise 
Florence by the power of Charles IV., the chiefs in the government 
of the Nine made o^er their own liberties to that Emperor. 

24. — P. 314. — their enormous loealth — ] A note to the Sanesan 
Chronicle [1. c. coll. 96, V) attests at once the great wealth and the 
large commerce of this powerful family. For their wealth, it wiU be 
sufQcient to quote the first paragraph " In quest' anno 1337 si osserva 
la gran ricchezza de' Salimbeni. Qui si iegge : ' Benuccio di Giovanni 
Sahmbeni era in questo tempo 1337. Camarlengo, e distribuitore 
de-le Casate de' Sahmbeni Nobili di Siena, cioede' censi, e argentiera^ 
e ramiera, donde die piu anni avea a distribuire infra 16. capifa- 
miglie di Salimbeni circa a fiorini .cento mila d'oro.'' For their com • 
merce, it is said that they sold in the single month of January of the 
succeeding year (1338) " ottanta borse ["borse da spose d'oro," 
elsewhere] per 80. spose noveUe di Casate de' Nobili di Siena ". 
Whereupon the commentator adds the remark, " that it demonstrates 
sufficiently the great riches the Sanesan people made by traffic, as it 
further makes evident the great Nobility that was then in Siena, 
he not supposing it possible that in any city whatever of Italy in 
his own time tliere could in a single year be made eighty marriages 
among families actually noble." 



THE MONTA^^Nl 39.1 



25. — P. 325. — and whenjhe Nine Begin to totter, etc.] It was not 
till thirty-three years afterward that the iniquitous government was 
put down by Charles lY., in violation of his own engagement. See 
Matt. Yillani ; who remarks philosophically: "B pare degna cosa, 
che colorO; i quali ingannano in Comune i loro Cittadini, e rompono 
la fede a' loro amici, che alcuna volta per quella medesima sieno 
puniti, e portino pena de' peccati commessi." ad init. cap. Ixxxi. 
col. 294. The Emperor 'entered Siena the 25th of March, 1855, 
whereupon the Tolomei, Malavolti, Piccolomini, Saracini, and those 
of the Sallmbeni who were opposed to the corrupt magistracy, with 
a concourse of common people, raised the cry of *' Yiva lo 'mpera- 
dore, e muojono i Nove e le gabelle ! " There occurred the usual 
scenes of violence, with death to some, and spohation ; the expulsion 
of the I^ine and their families. The next day the Emperor forbad 
forever the office and order. All who had taken part in the Govern- 
ment, to escape the danger and the infamy with which they were 
regarded as traitors to their own country, went into foreign lands. 
ib. Ixxxii. coL 295. The ChroDicle of Neri di Donate records the 
event with more force and greater detail. The Emperor swears to 
preserve the order of the Xine. (They had sent an embassy to him. 
See note 5, above, also note 23 ad c, p. 394.) He enters, the 23d 
of March, to the cry of " Yiva Lomperadore, e muoja li Xove ! '* cyts 
the chains of the city the 24th. The next day, the 25th, Siena in 
arms. Charles revokes his oath and annuls all the privileges con- 
ceded. — The account of the riot, and its violence, and the over- 
throw of the Xine, is very fuH in this chronicler. Eobbery ; arson ; 
death and wounds to some of the order, complete ruin to all, whom 
none, not even the clergy, would succor. Ad ann. 1355. 

26.— P. 332. — five hundred golden Johns .^] On one side of the 
florin of gold was the image of John the Baptist, with the legend 
' Santo Giovanni Battista " ; on the other the hly of the repubhe 
(whence its name), with " Fiorenza." 



396 NOTES TO 



It was in 1252, in a period of great prosperity and elation, after 
victories over their rivals, that the Florentines commenced, the coin- 
ing of this famous piece, gold money not being then in use witli 
them. As it was of extraordinary fineness, it came at once into 
great repute, and its value was so jealously regarded that for nearly 
300 years we find scarcely any if any change either in the weight or 
the quality of the metal.* Villani teUs us the florins were twenty- 
four carats fine and that eight of them weighed an ounce {Oron. VI. 
liii.) ; Yarchi, a little more than twenty-three and seven-eighths in 
fineness {St. Fior. t. v. p. 61. ed. al. cit.\ and that every hundred 
weighed an exact pound (t. iii. p". 115). But as the latter is so parti- 
cular in his statement, it may be that he has only expressed with 
precision what Yillani described in general terms. 

The florin of gold was also caUed a ducat (Y. ib. III. 117), as here 
in Act lY. Sc. 2, and throughout Bianca. 

Of course, while the nominal value was the same, as estimated in 
lire and soldi^ the actual worth of the coin varied in different ages 
(see Varchi as above. III. 117, 118), and at that distant day a thou- 
sand florins of gold, though in computation but little more than so 
many of our gold dollars, was a very considerable sum of money. 

27. — P. 315. Messer Frovenzano^ etc.] At Colle di Valdelsa^ in 
1269, when the Florentine Guelfs defeated the G-hibellines of Siena 
and their allies of the same faction, and avenged the disaster of 
Montaperti. "II Conte Guido J^oveflo si fuggi, e messere Proven- 
zano Salvani signore e guidatore dell' oste de' Sanesi fu preso, e 
tagliatoli il capo, e per tutto il campo portato fitto in su una lancia. 
E bene s' adempie la profezia e revelazione che gli avea fatta il diavolo ' 
per via d'incantesimo, ma non la intese ; che avendolo fatto con- 
strignere per sapere come capiterebbe in quella oste, mendacemente 

* This had its natural consequence. They not only rose in value in 1531, but 
they were withdrawn from circulation, and melted or hoarded. VAlicili, ut s. III., 
117, sq. & V. 61. 



THE MONTANINI 3 9 7 



rispuose, e disse : anderai e combatterai, vincerai no morrai alia bat- 
tagiia, e la tiia testa fia la piii alta del campo ; e egli credendo avere 
la vittoria per quelle parole, e credendo riraanere signore sopra tutti, 
non fece il punto alia fallacie, ove disse : vincerai no, morrai ec. E 
pero e grande follia a credere a si fatto consigiio come quello del 
diavolo." G. Yillani. YIL xxxi. (T. II. p. 195.) 

28.— P. 341 Fit to live. aiac. Camilla! — Woman! — Stop!] 
This is quite equal in time to the ten-syllable Iambic, — the em- 
phasis in the three last words of the preceding verse being on " art.*' 
The regular measure however may be observed, by simply substitu- 
ting " Worthy " for " Fit," and putting the emphasis on " not." But 
the passage loses thereby strength and propriety. '' Fit " is the 
word Camilla wou]d have used. 



THE- m:oi^t^mi>^i 



Jk^ C03VIIDDY 



bei:;g ix co:rTi2crATicx of tht: 

FOURTH T L U 31 E OF Til :: D H A 3f A T I C S K E I 7, 

\ 
BY 

L A IT a H T N S B E N 



NBY/' YOllK 
JAMES MILLEB., 6 4 7 B Pt A D W A Y 

MDCCCLXVni 



LIST OF PLArS COilPIUSED IN HIE SERIES. 

The names in Ikdics are of thooz alr^aclj P^iyished, 
YoLU3IS 1. 

Calvanj ; Virginia ; Bianoa GapeUo : Tragedies. 

Volume II. 

TJgo Ja Este; Uborta ; The Last Mapdeville ; 
Matilda of Denmark: Tragedies. 

VoLrME III, 

jleleagros ; Palamedes ; (En one ; Pvrrhiis, Son o!-' 
Adiil^e- : TJie Cid of Seville : Tv-^e^X^^. 

V<--:'E lY. 

The Silver Ilea'- ; Tue Double Dea ' "'^e Ilon- 
tanini ; Tke School for Critics : C^va^da^'s, 

Volume V. 

The Magnetiser ; The Prodigal ; His Uncle's Heir ; 
Tlie Dead Alive : Comedies. 



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